Mesoscopic 2-D ordering of inorganic/organic hybrid materials

Organic–inorganic hybrid materials with micronsized (i.e., mesoscopic) network structures are expected to have interesting properties and applications in various fields, such as separation, catalysis, biomineralization, or quantum optics. Here a new method is introduced to produce thin films of two-dimensionally ordered honeycomb structures. Casting a chloroform solution of a mixture of organic amphiphiles with metal acetylacetonates or -alkoxides at high atmospheric humidity leads to the formation of a closely packed layer of water droplets on top of the organic solvent. The water acts as a template, After evaporation of the chloroform and the water, a honeycomb structure remains. Pyrolysis of the metal alkoxides films lead to the formation of microporous metal oxide (e.g., anatase, one of the catalytic active titanium oxides).