Magnetically induced large mesoporous single-domain monoliths using a mineral liquid crystal as a template
Abstract
In this paper, we report on how the properties of the suspensions of a lyotropic nematic mineral liquid crystal (MLC) based on V$_2$O$_5$ ribbons are exploited to synthesize single‐domain mesostructured inorganic–inorganic composites, aligned at the centimeter length scale by application of a relatively small magnetic field (0.85 T). In addition, the removal of the mineral template from the inorganic matrix leaves aligned empty channels, fingerprints of the V$_2$O$_5$ ribbons. Large colorless and birefringent mesoporous material is obtained where the orientational order of the channel director has retain the magnetic‐field alignment of its mineral template up to the centimeter length scale within the porous macroscopic silica matrix. A representative material exhibits slit‐like pores with cross‐sectional dimensions of 2 × 20 nm over 600 nm, and has a specific surface area of 207 m$^2$ g$^{–1}$.