| Abstract Scope |
Sensors, catalysts, solar-cells and energy storage devices for renewable energy applications typically require materials that have a large interface to the surrounding liquid electrolyte, reaction liquid, or gas phase and are often surface modified for e.g. catalysis, band structure and corrosion control. Here solution based synthesis routes yielding oxide, nano-composite and metal sponges of various contents at temperatures below 200 oC are presented. The processes are discussed in detail from the solution to the final products, along with some properties. The sponges which can be prepared at <200 oC show remarkable resistance to sintering of their overall porous structure at elevated temperatures, heating can be used to increase the nano-sized crystals within the sponge structures, allowing for tuning of crystal sizes. The processes and products were studied with TG-DSC, XRD, SEM-EDS, (S)TEM-EDS/ED/HAADF/EELS, XPS, IR- and Raman spectroscopy. |