A facile layer-by-layer deposition process is developed to fabricate highly-transparent superhydrophobic coatings, which comprise the underlying antireflective nanoporous silica layer and the top transparent superhydrophobic SiO(2) nanoparticle layer.

Mixtures of an amphiphilic perylene bisimide derivative and tetramethoxysilane in the absence of solvents have been found to exhibit stable columnar liquid-crystalline phases which transform into macroscopically oriented nanoporous silica films as a result of simple mechanical shearing.

Three-dimensionally interconnected, highly porous silica materials with ordering on three different scales, that is, macropores (10-30 μm), interconnecting windows (3-5 μm), and nanoporous walls (∼80 nm), are prepared via a dual-templating approach.

Lotus-leaf-like silica flakes with a three-dimensionally (3D) connected nanoporous structure and controllable thickness have been facilely synthesized; the flakes produced exhibited superior performance in adsorbing enzymes to their microspheric analogues.

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) appears to be uniquely suited for coating substrates with ultrahigh aspect ratios (> or similar 10(3)), including nanoporous solids. Here, we study the ALD of Cu and Cu3N on the inner surfaces of low-density nanoporous silica aerogel monoliths. Results show that Cu depth profiles in nanoporous monoliths are limited not only by Knudsen diffusion of heavier precursor...

A microfluidic device that contains a silica film as optical transducer and electrochemical electrode was used to monitor how ferricyanide ion behaves within nanoporous matrix. This prototype device allows UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry to be performed at the same time. Significant reducing in leaching of redox molecules proved this device integrated with silica film can ...

We demonstrate an efficient method for cancer cell capture via cell line-specific protein deposition on nanoporous surface in microfluidic channels. Specifically, anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecules (EpCAM) were microcontact printed onto nanoporous silica substrate with optimal pore size of 4 nm, porosity of 52.4 ± 0.2%, and thin film thickness of 130 ± 0.5 nm. SkBr3, Colo205, and MDA-MB-43...

The rice husk is the outer covering of a rice kernel and protects the inner ingredients from external attack by insects and bacteria. To perform this function while ventilating air and moisture, rice plants have developed unique nanoporous silica layers in their husks through years of natural evolution. Despite the massive amount of annual production near 10(8) tons worldwide, so far rice husks...

Sulfonic acid functionalized nanoporous silica (SBA-Pr-SO3H) with a pore size of 6 nm catalyzed three component coupling of aromatic aldehydes, urea and ethyl acetoacetate to afford the corresponding dihydropyrimidinones under solvent free condition. This new protocol for Biginelli reaction has important advantages such as green synthesis, short reaction time, easy isolation and high yields of ...