Synthesis of macroporous minerals with highly ordered three-dimensional arrays of spheroidal voids

A simple synthetic technique, whereby close-packed layers of latex spheres used as templates react with the appropriate monomeric alkoxides, for the preparation of macroporous alumina, titania, and zirconia with 3D highly ordered periodic arrays of uniform voids, 320-360 nm, has been demonstrated for the first time. The technique has important implications for the synthesis of a wide variety of inorganic porous materials with important technological applications.