Adv. Mater. 2001, 13, 401-407

 

Gems of Chemistry and Physics:

Three-Dimensionally Ordered Macroporous (3DOM) Metal Oxides

 

Christopher F. Blanford, Hongwei Yan, Rick Schroden, Mohammed Al-Daous, Andreas Stein*

 

Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

 

Abstract

 

Naturally occurring gem opals would seem to be the inspiration for the recent explosion of work on three-dimensionally ordered macroporous, or “3DOM” materials. Myriad techniques have been developed for the creation of 3DOM products. This work focuses on ordered metal oxides and the effects that the chemistry behind precursors and template removal has on the phase and composition of the end product. Structural features that affect the materials’ photonic, optical, catalytic, and magnetic properties are discussed.