Structured materials syntheses in a self-assembled surfactant mesophase

A self-assembled surfactant mesophase containing AOT/lecithin/isooctane/water has been exploited as a template for the syntheses of nanostructured materials. The system is a gel sustaining equal volumes of an aqueous phase and an organic hydrocarbon phase. We have explored the synthesis of extended ceramic and polymer structures in this gel phase. Iron nanoparticles synthesized in the microaqueous phase have chain-like structures, while porous silica structures are obtained using precursors soluble in the organic microphase. The retention of catalytic activity of an oxidative enzyme in the microaqueous phase allows synthesis of structured polymers at the oil–water interface.