Recent advances in the synthesis, characterization and applications of mesoporous molecular sieves

The past year has seen an explosive growth in research on mesoporous molecular sieves. Major advances in understanding and exploiting the synthesis protocols and mechanism of formation of these materials have allowed designed tailoring of their composition, pore size, structure and texture. The concept of ‘supramolecular templating’ with molecular aggregates of surfactants, which has been proposed as a mechanistic step in the formation of molecular sieves, has expanded our idea of the classical single molecular interaction. Well documented, simplified synthesis preparation of these materials have allowed study of their application in fields ranging from catalytic conversion of large molecules to their functioning as nanoscopic homes where polymers, atomic arrays of metal atoms, and electronic materials can reside.