Abstract
Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates have been intensively investigated during the past decades and have meanwhile been widely applied through both sacrificial and non-sacrificial pathways. In numerous non-sacrificial applications, the AAO membrane is maintained as part of the obtained composite materials; hence, the template structure and topography determine to a great extent the potential applications. Through-hole isotropic AAO features nanochannels that promote transfer of matter, while anisotropic AAO with barrier layer exhibits nanocavities suitable as independent and homogenous containers. By combining the two kinds of AAO membranes with diverse organic and inorganic materials through physical interactions or chemical bonds, AAO composites are designed and applied in versatile fields such as catalysis, drug release platform, separation membrane, optical appliances, sensors, cell culture, energy, and electronic devices. Therefore, within this review, a perspective on exhilarating prospect for complementary advancement on AAO composites both in preparation and application is provided.Graphical abstract
Highlights
Combinations of different materials are often applied to design composites with particular use that is not inconceivable by the individual parts
In order to harness the distinctive properties of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates, AAObased nanocomposites have been successfully prepared by combining AAO with various materials including small molecules, organic crystals, polymers, and inorganic nanostructures, by means of self-assembly, polymer grafting, coating, and template wetting strategies
We summarized advanced methodologies for constructing AAO-based composites
Summary
Combinations of different materials are often applied to design composites with particular use that is not inconceivable by the individual parts. Nanocomposites involved with nanoscale dimensions or bearing nanometer-scale structures found wide applications in science and technology [1,2,3]. Porous templates, such as ion track etched membranes, anodic metal oxides, porous silicon, and block copolymer templates, can be used for sacrificial nano-patterning and capable to be fabricated into nanocomposites for applications such as efficient nano-filtration, separation, storage, etc [4,5,6]. We conclude with a perspective outlook of AAO nanocomposites over preparation to application in nanotechnologies
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