Control over Structure and Properties in Nanocrystal Aerogels at the Nano-, Micro-, and Macroscale

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.0c00463
• Publication Date: 2020-10-08T13:18:31Z
• Authors: Pascal Rusch; Dániel Zámbó; Nadja C. Bigall
• Keywords: modification; Dewey Decimal Classification::500 | Naturwissenschaften::540 | Chemie; aerogels; chemical structure; gelation; QD02 Physical chemistry / fizikai kémia; 01 natural sciences; materials; 0104 chemical sciences

ConspectusThe assembly of individual colloidal nanocrystals into macroscopic solvogels and aerogels introduced a new exciting type material the class porous architectures. In these so-called nanocrystal gels, structure properties can be controlled fine-tuned to smallest details. Recently it was shown that by employing building blocks for such gel materials, interesting nanoscopic conserved or even expanded are available neither in nor their respective bulk materials. general, production materials features wet-chemical synthesis stable colloids followed carefully destabilization facilitate arrangement highly porous, interconnected networks. By isolation discrete from process, electronic structure, optical properties, structural morphology tailored myriad procedures developed chemistry. Furthermore, knowledge control over structure–property correlation resulting structures opens up numerous ways extended advanced applications. Consequently, amount different converted nanocrystal-based is rising steadily. Meanwhile number methods initiation likewise increasing, offering overall network porosity as well block connection. The networks dried obtain air-filled (aerogels) applied wet form (solvogels). now applications profiting unique advantages have been realized exploited areas photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, sensing.In this Account, we aim summarize efforts undertaken structuring on scales, fine-tuning nanoscale, connections microscale, macroscale shape final construct. It exemplarily demonstrated how cation exchange reactions (at nanoscale), postgelation modifications (microscale), gels via printing techniques (macroscale) endow with novel physicochemical, mechanical, electrocatalytic properties. more traditional sol–gel chemistry targeting micro- also reviewed, showing future potential promoting field