New directions in self-assembly: materials synthesis over 'all' length scales

Recent advances in self-assembly include novel synthetic pathways to well-ordered porous materials with channel and cavity dimensions that traverse multiple length scales. A creative amalgamation of surfactant and colloidal crystal templating methods together with microfabrication techniques allow unprecendented control over the organization of inorganic and organic building units and the construction of angstrom to millimeter composite architectures. These structurally and topologically complex solids display hierarchical building principles and properties that transcend those of the individual components. Possible utility for materials of this genre include, fuel cell electrodes, solid state battery electrolytes and plasticizers, chemical sensors, photovoltaics, bone implants, membranes, chromatography supports and chemical delivery systems. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd All rights reserved.