Functional-template directed self-assembly (FTDSA) of mesostructured organic-inorganic hybrid materials

Abstract

Since the discovery of a surfactant directed self-assembly approach for the fabrication of mesoporous silica in 1992, increasing attention has been focused on the design and synthesis of mesostructured functional materials. Organic functionalization is becoming a major topic in this research field, since highly ordered mesostructured organic-inorganic hybrids offer novel functionalities and enhanced performance over their individual components. We begin with a brief overview of the three fundamental methods (post-synthetic grafting technique, co-condensation method, and preparation of periodic mesoporous organosilicas) for the preparation of organically functionalized mesostructured silica, and focus on one of the most promising approaches, which herein was named as functional-template directed self-assembly (FTDSA) approach, and in the eyes of the authors it has a special position in the preparation of this class of hybrid materials. A comprehensive overview of the state of research in the area of FTDSA and its potential applications will be given.