Multifunctional, multilayer, multiscale: Integrative synthesis of complex macro and mesoporous thin films with spatial separation of porosity and function

P.C. ANGELOMÉ; M.C. FUERTES; G.J.A.A. SOLER-ILLIA

ADVANCED MATERIALS

American Chemical Society

Lugar: Washington; Año: 2006 vol. 18 p. 2397 - 2402

0935-9648

We present here a simple and reproducible method for assembling mesoporous and macroporous thin films into multilayered architectures. With precise control of the deposition conditions and by taking advantage of film consolidation procedures before removal of the template, we are able to sequentially produce multilayered films with a wide variety of textures and properties. The incorporation of different layers exhibiting a wide variety of properties in terms of the framework, pore size, shape, arrangement, and surface opens the way to the creation of complex systems. Hierarchical ordering of the cavities can be realized by using macroporous layers either as structure directors or as exotem-plates. Taking into account the  library of mesoporous frameworks that are currently available, as well as the pre- and post-synthesis treatments that enable the selective functionalization of individual layers, it should be possible to design and assemble complex multilayered architectures where specific chemical functionalities or nanoscale objects can be selectively positioned in space.