Self-templating synthesis of hollow mesoporous silica and their applications in catalysis and drug delivery

Hollow mesoporous silica materials have been intensively pursued because of their unique properties for various applications. Yolk/shell structured hollow mesoporous silica with functional cores inside their hollow interior can further broaden the applications of hollow mesoporous silica. The self-templating strategy has been developed as one of the most important strategies to effectively fabricate hollow mesoporous silicas and their yolk/shell counterparts. In this feature article, we provide an overview of advances in the self-templating synthesis of hollow mesoporous silica based on the following three strategies: surface-protected etching, structural difference-based selective etching, and cationic surfactant assisted self-templating. We then discuss some important applications of these self-templating strategy-derived hollow mesoporous silicas, such as nanoreactors for confined catalysis and multifunctional platforms for combined therapy. Finally, some perspectives for the future development of this active research field are provided.