Silica xerogel films hybridized with carbon nanotubes by single step sol-gel processing

► The functionalized MWCNTs were hybridized with silica xerogel. ► Functionalization of MWCNTs improved the chemical reactivity during sol gel process. ► The change in C and O bonds of functionalized MWCNTs were analyzed by using XPS. ► The changes in the porosity and 3-D network structure of silica xerogel were induced with MWCNTs. ► The mechanical properties of silica xerogel were enhanced by the hybridization with MWCNTs.