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Synthesis of hierarchical materials
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. dan@coe.drexel.edu
Trends in Biotechnology
|August 16, 2000
Summary
Scientists aim to create hierarchical materials with order across molecular, nano, and meso scales. Current methods like biomimetic and templating approaches produce bulk structures, but precise geometric control of mesostructures remains a challenge.
Area of Science:
- Material Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Hierarchical materials exhibit properties controllable by molecular characteristics.
- Ordering across molecular, nano, and meso length scales is a key goal.
- Current methods struggle with precise geometric design of finite mesostructures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods for producing hierarchical materials.
- To highlight challenges in designing finite mesostructures with specific geometries.
Main Methods:
- Biomimetic methods using polypeptides as building blocks.
- Amphiphile and colloidal templating for inorganic mesoporous materials.
- Production of three-dimensional, bulk-like hierarchical structures.
Main Results:
- Established methods can create bulk hierarchical materials.
- Biomimetic and templating techniques are effective for certain structures.
Conclusions:
- Achieving precise geometric control over finite mesostructures is an ongoing challenge.
- Further research is needed to design complex, geometrically defined hierarchical materials.