A method of forming a gel monolith includes preparing a first solution comprising
metal alkoxide and preparing a second solution comprising a catalyst. A third solution
is prepared by mixing the first solution and the second solution together. At least
one of the first, second, and third solutions is cooled to achieve a mixture temperature
for the third solution which is substantially below room temperature, wherein the
third solution has a significantly longer gelation time at the mixture temperature
as compared to a room temperature gelation time for the third solution. The method
further includes allowing the third solution to gel, thereby forming the gel monolith.