*2.3. Characterization of the Specimens*

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM, JSM-6390, JEOL, Tokyo, Japan) was used to characterize the surface microstructural and morphological properties of samples. The elemental composition of the samples was evaluated by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS, JEOL, Tokyo, Japan). The crystalline phase structure of the hybrid membranes were studied through Cu Kα radiation measured by X-ray diffraction of radiation, performed at 40 kV and 30 mA; the scanning speed was 0.02◦/s and the step size was 0.02◦, ranging from 15◦ to 60◦ (XRD, D/MAX-2400, Rigaku, Tokyo, Japan).

#### *2.4. Mechanical Behavior Assessment of Hybrids*

The universal mechanical devices (SHT4206, MTS, Minneapolis, MN, USA) with a 500 N load cell was used to evaluate the tensile mechanical characteristics (tensile strength and modulus) of hybrid monoliths at a crosshead speed of 50 mm per minute. All samples with a size of 10 mm × 60 mm were used for the tensile mechanical test. The stress–strain curves were captured by the additional software of the machine. The tensile modulus of samples was obtained by determining the slope of the initial linear elastic portion of stress–strain curves. At least five species were counted in each sample.
