Ordered mesoporous materials from metal nanoparticle-block copolymer self-assembly

Science. 2008 Jun 27;320(5884):1748-52. doi: 10.1126/science.1159950.

Abstract

The synthesis of ordered mesoporous metal composites and ordered mesoporous metals is a challenge because metals have high surface energies that favor low surface areas. We present results from the self-assembly of block copolymers with ligand-stabilized platinum nanoparticles, leading to lamellar CCM-Pt-4 and inverse hexagonal (CCM-Pt-6) hybrid mesostructures with high nanoparticle loadings. Pyrolysis of the CCM-Pt-6 hybrid produces an ordered mesoporous platinum-carbon nanocomposite with open and large pores (>/=10 nanometers). Removal of the carbon leads to ordered porous platinum mesostructures. The platinum-carbon nanocomposite has very high electrical conductivity (400 siemens per centimeter) for an ordered mesoporous material fabricated from block copolymer self-assembly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.