Since the extension of the Stöber method traditionally used in the synthesis of silica nanoparticles into the fabrication of resorcinol-formaldehyde nanospheres in 2011, significant progresses have been achieved in this exiting area of nano-resole-enabled synthesis of elegant nanostructures with versatile compositions and promising applications in various fields. To date, there are few reviews focused on this topic. In this minireview, we aim to provide an overview on recent developments, with the emphasis on nano-resoles as an enabling strategy in the synthesis of innovative materials. The history of nano-resoles and their distinct roles classified into four functions will be introduced. Clear understanding into this research field is vital for achieving rational design and controllable synthesis of a new generation of nano-resoles and their derived nanostructures.
Keywords: Stöber method; inorganic nanostructures; nano-resoles; polymers; resorcinol formaldehyde.
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