Lyotropic liquid crystal directed synthesis of nanostructured materials

Abstract

This review introduces and summarizes lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) directed syntheses of nanostructured materials consisting of porous nanostructures and zero-dimensional (0-D), one-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) nanostructures. After a brief introduction to the liquid crystals, the LLCs used to prepare mesoporous materials are discussed; in particular, recent advances in controlling mesostructures are summarized. The LLC templates directing the syntheses of nanoparticles, nanorods, nanowires and nanoplates are also presented. Finally, future development in this field is discussed.

Keywords

• lyotropic liquid crystals
• template
• nanomaterials