Preparation of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous materials and its application in catalysis

Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) materials have a uniform and periodical macroporous structure, and the colloidal crystal template technique is a major way to synthesize 3DOM materials. In this paper, the progress in preparation of different 3DOM materials including metals, metaloxides, polymers and carbon, and so on, by the colloidal crystal template technique are reviewed, through two viewpoints of preparation and catalytic application. The advantages of 3DOM materials and its limitations in the catalytic application are presented, and some measures are put forward to overcome those disadvantages.