Templated synthesis for nanoarchitectured porous materials

Abstract

As time goes, nanoporous materials seem to offer limitless possibilities in a wide range of applications, such as catalysis, absorbents, sensors, optical and photovoltaic devices, fuel cells as well as biochemical technology like drug delivery or molecular sensing, and still, they have not reveal their entire potential yet. As previously mentioned, the procedures based on templated syntheses are simple enough to be carried out without requiring complex facilities. In order to produce micro-/meso-/macroporous metals, metal oxides, carbons, semiconductors or metalorganic frameworks, a broad spectrum of techniques and concepts is now available to obtain desired architectures. Among them, the template synthesis strategy already showcased a great potential as a facile and intuitive route to achieve most of the available nanoarchitectures. Hard-templating has been well mastered since the last few decades and offer a tremendous range of morphologies. Their use, however, involve the utilization of extremely hazardous chemicals and thus, motivates researchers to investigate alternative solutions. In this regard, soft-templates, especially from biomaterials, are in good agreement with a sustainable and environmentally friendly technology for the future.