Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 4
Morphological Design of Mesoporous
Hybrid Materials
Abstract
The well-structured and controllable micro- or macromorphology of
porous nanomaterials is of great importance for practical applications. The possi-
bility to fabricate films, spheres, monoliths, and so on has been explored. Different
morphologies show distinct potentials in various areas. Spheres can be used in
biosensoring and chromatograph packing; films are applicable in the areas of catal-
ysis and separation; and monoliths can find fit in photonic devices. Controllable
synthesis on both the mesoscale (mesostructure) and macroscale (morphology) is
therefore necessary. The assembly of structures and the control of morphologies
for mesoporous materials is a concerted campaign and affect each other. The fac-
tors that determine the ultimate morphologies of the mesoporous materials include
several elements: hydrolyzation and condensation of inorganic precursor species,
types of the surfactant molecules, interaction between precursors or their related
species and surfactants, additives, and physical techniques. As to mesoporous sili-
ceous materials, one can achieve mesoporous structures with various morphologies
such as fibers, films, monoliths, spheres, vesicles, and “single crystals,” through
manipulating these factors. Notwithstanding, the morphologies of mesoporous non-
siliceous materials are still restricted in several relatively simple types due to the
considerably complicated reaction systems and unpredictable coordination between
inorganic and organic moieties. Some classical morphologies of mesoporous
hybrid materials are thus presented as follows.
Keywords
Morphology control
·
Mesoporous spheres
·
Mesoporous fibers
·
Mesoporous films
·
Mesostructured nanorods
·
MOF nanoplates
·
Mesoporous
monoliths
4.1 Spheres and Fibers
The sphere is one of the most common shapes for materials, which has minimal vol-
ume and maximal surface area. Mesoporous spheres can be directly used in chroma-
tographic substrates, catalysts and carriers, drug delivery, and electrode materials,
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