Sonochemical formation of metal sponges

• DOI: 10.1039/c0nr00635a
• Publication Date: 2010-12-02T14:00:19Z
• Authors: Ekaterina V. Skorb; Dmitri Fix; Dmitry G. Shchukin; Helmuth Möhwald; Dmitry V. Sviridov; Rami Mousa; Nelia Wanderka; Jana Schäferhans; Nicolas Pazos-Pérez; Andreas Fery; Daria V. Andreeva
• Keywords: Macromolecular Substances; Surface Properties; Molecular Conformation; 02 engineering and technology; Absorption; Nanostructures; Sonication; Metals; Materials Testing; Particle Size; Crystallization; 0210 nano-technology; Porosity

A novel sonochemical method for formation of mesoporous metal sponges is developed. Systematic investigation of ultrasound effects on various types of metal particles reveals the cavitation-induced oxidation of metal surface and etching of metal matrix as main factors in the ultrasound-driven metal modification. Beyond the specific examples, the findings provide guidelines for expansion of the concept towards a broad variety of metal systems and allow development of the sonochemical approaches to manipulation of the metal surface and inner structure.