In the fabrication of porous monoliths by sol–gel processing accompanied by phase separation, a wide variety of microstructures can be formed and controlled. However, special considerations are required to efficiently form relatively hydrophobic organosiloxane materials from aqueous sols. By developing processes that enable facile control of phase separation, we have achieved the reproducible fabrication of bulk materials with few defects over a wide range of scales. Furthermore, by exploiting the deformability of these materials, we are exploring novel applications across diverse fields, including thermal insulation materials that retain their performance even after deformation, substrates for liposome formation that can be used in a manner analogous to squeezing a sponge, and optical materials for tactile sensors that also function as interfaces.

By incorporating nanomaterials into the fine skeletons of porous monoliths, we are developing bulk materials with enhanced mechanical strength. These composites exhibit markedly improved impact and wear resistance compared with their non-composite counterparts, enabling precision machining that has conventionally been difficult for low-bulk-density porous materials. In addition, because composites with organosiloxane-based surface compositions exhibit high water repellency and biocompatibility, we are developing them as substrates for three-dimensional cell culture. We are also focusing on their development as optical materials by exploiting the visible-light transparency and infrared radiative properties of organosiloxanes, as well as diffuse reflection arising from their porous structures.