Colloidal crystal templating of porous materials

Colloidal crystal templating is a versatile method for synthesizing highly periodic, nanostructured porous materials with many possible compositions. The resulting three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) or mesoporous (3DOm) materials or “inverse opals” have structural features that benefit a range of applications, such as photonic crystals, structural pigments, sensors, electrode materials, catalysts, sorbents, and bioactive glasses. The periodically arranged pores in 3DOM materials are highly interconnected and easily penetrated with other fluids, offering excellent access to the internal surface of the material. In addition, this architecture combines nanosize effects within a bulk material. This article describes the synthesis, properties, and applications of 3DOM materials.