Porous and Nanostructured Materials with Tailored Surfaces

Decreasing the particle or pore size to the nanometer scale would lead to unusual properties, such as extremely high specific surface area, increased reactivity, and rich interparticle boundary to the functional materials. For example, heterogeneous catalysts are largely dependent on the particle size and shape of the catalysts. Porous or nanostructured semiconductors with high surface area can adsorb more of the gases to be detected, resulting in pronounced change in electrical conductivity and consequently considerably improved sensor property. With decreased particle size, the diffusion distance of ions can be significantly shortened, leading to high rate capability of electrode materials in batteries. Surface gives significant impact on the properties of the functional materials, particularly for the reactions taking place at the interface of different phases. Thus, the tailoring of the surface and interface is also essential in promoting the performance of the functional nanomaterials. The research on the particle size, shape, facet, and defect that lead to enhanced surface reactivity of the porous and nanomaterials has been and continues to be a vigorous field.

In this Research Topic, original research articles and reviews on porous and nanostructures with tailored surfaces and attractive catalytic, gas sensing, energy storage and conversion properties are welcome. Potential topics include but are not limited to the followings.

(1) Rational design and preparation of desired porous and nanostructures.
(2) Surface and interface engineering of the porous and nanostructures.
(3) Catalytic, gas sensing, energy storage and conversion properties of functional materials with porous and nanostructures.
(4) Investigation of the impact of particle size, surface and interface properties on the performance of materials with porous and nanostructures.