Growth of AlPO4-5 within the pores of anodic alumina

We have confined the growth of crystals of the aluminophosphate AlPO4-5 within the nanochannels of an anodic alumina membrane. The high aspect ratio of the template pores encourages growth of the crystals in the preferred c-axis orientation. The degree of crystal alignment has been examined using XRD pole figures, and the relative degree of preferred orientation is over 200 for a typical membrane. Field emission SEM micrographs clearly show the aligned crystals within the pores. The inclusion of luminescent guest molecules within the pores of the zeolite has also been achieved. This paper will discuss the synthesis, characterization and potential application of these membranes.