A review on template assisted synthesis of multi-functional metal oxide nanostructures: Status and prospects

The current review article deliberates the emerging template-assisted synthetic approach for the preparation of promising metal oxide nanostructures. The template-assisted synthesis offers promising greener protocols as compared with traditional synthetic techniques such as sol–gel, hydrothermal synthesis, etc to furnish the product with desired properties and application. The controlled morphology with tunable properties of MOx nanostructures can be achieved from the incorporation of hard and soft templates owing to template structural and characteristics features. The porous template surface act as surface directing agent for the fabrication of micro to nano-sized mesoporous material by restraining the crystal growth and crystal nucleation. Herein, we comprehensively review the research efforts of the worldwide laboratories on exemplary template materials to fabricate aimed MOx nanostructures. Furthermore, the critical analysis of various aspects to achieve desired response using template materials and correlation of template structure with metal oxide properties for the targeted applications have been discussed.