Nanostructuring strategies in functional fine-particle synthesis towards resource and energy saving applications

As a low cost and environmentally-benign powder technology, appropriate nanostructuring of fine particles (for example to produce porous, core–shell, hollow, or multicomponent composite structures) has attracted significant attention. Nanostructured fine particles have superior properties, such as high specific surface area, low density, hybrid functionalities, and resistance to weathering. Research into ways of nanostructuring particles for advanced functional materials has progressed rapidly, because these particles offer two great advantages over bulk materials or single component spherical particles: high performance and reduction in the use of expensive raw materials. In particular, the current interest in nanostructured particles focuses on tailoring their inner structure and morphology towards particular practical applications. This article reviews recent research progress on fabrication strategies for nanostructured fine particles. The examples chosen are phosphors, photocatalysts, electrocatalysts, adsorbents and magnetic particles. These fabrication techniques pave the way towards saving both resources and energy in materials production.