Improving pore exposure in mesoporous silica films for mechanized control of the pores

Yaroslav Klichko, Niveen M. Khashab, Ying Wei Yang, Sarah Angelos, J. Fraser Stoddart*, Jeffrey I. Zink

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

A novel hierarchically structured material consisting of a mesoporous silica film, prepared by a vapor-phase infiltration method that is microscopically patterned and using a reactive wet-stamping technique, is reported. The two-dimensional hexagonal mesostructure consists of tubular pores of approx 2.4 nm in diameter that are aligned in a particular direction. The micropatterns, 1.5 μm wide strips oriented perpendicular to the direction of the nanopores and separated from each other by 1.5 μm gaps, were etched in such a manner so as to enable multiple regions of accessibility to the nanopores that would otherwise not be easy to access. The nanopore accessibility and orientation were confirmed by infiltration of the nanopores with a fluorescent polymer, resulting in a polarization of the emission. After the etching process, mechanically interlocked molecules that act as gatekeepers were attached to the nanopore openings. Trapping and on-command release of luminescent probe molecules were demonstrated in these micro-patterned mesoporous silica films.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)435-441
Number of pages7
JournalMicroporous and Mesoporous Materials
Volume132
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2010

Keywords

  • Porous materials
  • Silica
  • Stimuli-responsive materials
  • Thin films

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Improving pore exposure in mesoporous silica films for mechanized control of the pores'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this