Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 1999, 549, 61-66

The facile synthesis of three-dimensional macroporous arrays of titania, zirconia and alumina was recently reported. The synthesis of these materials has now been extended to the oxides of iron, tungsten, and antimony, as well as a mixed yttrium-zirconium system and organically modified silicates. These materials were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Ordered structures of iron, tungsten, and antimony were formed from alkoxide precursors as in the originally reported synthesis, but the template was removed at a lower temperature. Samples of vinyl- and 2-cyanoethyl-modified silicates were formed from a mixture of organotrialkoxysilane and tetraalkoxysilane precursors; the polystyrene template was removed by extraction with a THF/acetone mixture. These results show the ease of extending the original synthesis to a wide range of systems. Also, the ability to form homogenous mixed-metal oxides will be important for tailoring the dielectric and photonic properties of these materials.