Gems of Chemistry and Physics: Macroporous Metal Oxides with 3D Order

Naturally occurring gem opals would seem to be the inspiration for the recent explosion of work on three-dimensionally ordered macroporous, or “3DOM” materials. Myriad techniques have been developed for the creation of 3DOM products. This work focuses on ordered metal oxides and the effects that the chemistry behind precursors and template removal have on the phase and composition of the end product. Structural features that affect the materials' photonic, optical, catalytic, and magnetic properties are discussed.