biostudies-literatureWu ZNational Natural Science Foundation of China5695-5701https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9078155biostudies-literatureUnknown8(11)<i>In situ</i> hydrophobic polypropylsilsesquioxane aerogels (PSAs) were successfully synthesized <i>via</i> an organic-inorganic hybridization method by a sol-gel process, in which propyltriethoxysilane (PTES) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) were used as co-precursors. ²⁹Si NMR and FTIR analyses indicated the high degree of condensation of the precursors and proved the attachment of propyl (-C₃H₇) groups in PSAs, respectively. By means of incorporating propyl groups, both mechanical robustness and <i>in situ</i> hydrophobicity were obtained. Meanwhile, the mechanical strength, contact angle and density obviously increased with the increase in propyl groups. Under optimized conditions, as-prepared PSA could endure up to a 70% maximum linear compression wRSC advancesOrganic-inorganic hybridization for the synthesis of robust <i>in situ</i> hydrophobic polypropylsilsesquioxane aerogels with fast oil absorption properties.PMC907815551302052Wu ZLi JZhang LYang CZhao XfalseOrganic-inorganic hybridization for the synthesis of robust <i>in situ</i> hydrophobic polypropylsilsesquioxane aerogels with fast oil absorption properties.<i>In situ</i> hydrophobic polypropylsilsesquioxane aerogels (PSAs) were successfully synthesized <i>via</i> an organic-inorganic hybridization method by a sol-gel process, in which propyltriethoxysilane (PTES) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) were used as co-precursors. ²⁹Si NMR and FTIR analyses indicated the high degree of condensation of the precursors and proved the attachment of propyl (-C₃H₇) groups in PSAs, respectively. By means of incorporating propyl groups, both mechanical robustness and <i>in situ</i> hydrophobicity were obtained. Meanwhile, the mechanical strength, contact angle and density obviously increased with the increase in propyl groups. Under optimized conditions, as-prepared PSA could endure up to a 70% maximum linear compression w2018-01-01T00:00:00Z2018 Feb2025-05-18T12:07:05.9Z2025-04-19T07:26:59.595ZS-EPMC90781553553958310.1039/c7ra13165h