Introduction
Porous materials are materials which contain an interconnected network of micro and macro pores. These materials can range from simple sponges which can be used to clean up after a spill, to highly complex nanomaterials which are used in many industries. Porous materials can absorb and store energy, help detect chemical and biological threats, and provide pathways, filters, and scaffolds for all manner of materials. This essay will explore the properties and applications of porous materials, as well as the challenges faced by researchers studying such materials.
Properties
Porous materials are characterised by an interconnected network of pores, with micro and macro levels of porosity. The micro level of porosity refers to the pores which are small enough to be seen with the naked eye, whilst the macro level of porosity refers to channels or structures large enough for fluids, particles or other materials to pass through. This mix of scales gives porous materials immense potential for a wide range of applications. It is also worth noting that porous materials can be made from a variety of materials, including polymers, ceramics, and metals, allowing for further customisation of properties.
The presence of porous materials can also influence several other properties of a material. For example, porous materials have a large specific surface area, meaning that they are more likely to adsorb molecules or particles. They also have high permeability due to the presence of the pores, allowing for efficient flow of materials. Porous materials also often have high strength due to their lattice structure, which is beneficial in a variety of applications.
Applications
Porous materials have a wide range of applications in fields such as energy storage, water purification, drug delivery and chemical sensing. Porous materials are often used as energy storage devices as they are able to store large amounts of energy due to their large surface area. This is especially useful in applications such as fuel cells and batteries, where large amounts of energy need to be stored and released on demand.
Porous materials are also used in water purification systems where their high permeability allows for efficient filtration of unwanted particles or substances. Examples of this include carbon filters which can remove chlorine, heavy metals or pharmaceuticals from drinking water. They are also useful for the purification of wastewater due to their ability to chemically react with contaminants.
They can also be used in drug delivery systems, where the voids in the material can be used to store molecules or drugs which can be released in a controlled manner. An example of this is the usage of porous materials in kinesin carriers, which can load drugs and deliver them to precise locations in the body.
Finally, porous materials are often used in chemical sensing applications due to their large surface area which can adsorb molecules. This allows for precise and highly sensitive detection of molecules in the environment, which is essential in a variety of technologies such as environmental testing, medical diagnostics and process control.
Challenges
Despite their wide range of applications, the study of porous materials is fraught with challenges. To begin with, the complexity of the structures of porous materials make them difficult to characterise, especially on a micro level. This complicates the development of new materials and can lead to tedious experimentation with little yield. Additionally, the manufacturing process of porous materials is also difficult and require a great amount of time and effort, particularly for smaller scale materials.
Conclusion
In conclusion, porous materials are materials which contain a interconnected network of micro and macro pores, leading to a wide range of potential applications in fields such as energy storage, water purification, drug delivery and chemical sensing. However, the study of porous materials is complex and time consuming, and there are still a number of challenges which must be overcome in order for these materials to be utilised to their full potential.
