Mesoporous thin films: Properties and applications

Mesoporous films are a fine example of a self-assembled nanosystem, containing ordered porosity in the 2-50 run range. A great number of characteristics, including framework nature (composition, crystallinity), high Surface area, port! dimension, shape, surface, accessibility and pore array symmetry and interconnection can be tuned using green chemistry synthetic techniques. These materials present potentials in several fields where a large functional interfacial area contained in a robust framework is required. The capability of changing in a separate way the characteristics of the inorganic framework and the pore surface leads to ail amazing potential in tuning functional properties, Clue to the combined properties of a thoroughly tailored pore system and the inherent features of thin films. These properties call be tailored to respond to changes in the environment, Such as relative humidity, making mesoporous hybrid thin films ail exciting prospect for several nanotechnology applications (e.g. sensors, actuators, separation devices). Here we present some basic concepts revolving around mesoporous films. We will first comment on the synthetic approach in the fabrication of these materials. Second, we will discuss the aspects regarding template organization and Surface functionalization. Third, we will review some applications illustrating the potentialities of theses self-assembled nanomaterials.