Utilizing 3-aminophenol formaldehyde resins microspheres for the synthesis of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous oxides

Constructing three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) materials with well-defined structures and fascinating properties has attracted extensive attention in broad research fields. Innovations and breakthroughs are, thus, highly required for the control synthesis. Herein, we have successfully developed a novel strategy with 3-aminophenol formaldehyde resins microspheres as a template for the control synthesis of 3DOM TiO2. The as-prepared 3DOM TiO2 materials exhibit a periodic and interconnected macroporous structure with a large, well-open surface area of up to 208 m2/g. By rationally controlling the synthesis parameters, e.g. modulating the microsphere size of aminophenol formaldehyde resinsand the pyrolysis time, the average macroporous size of 3DOM TiO2 can be tunable in the range of 77–177 nm together with adjustable crystallinity of TiO2 obtained, and a different extent of the carbon residue decorated inside the macroporous can be also controlled. Given its generality and efficiency, we hope that the provided method can be a practical, economical viable approach for the rational design of various 3DOM materials, which provide great potentials for different application, including various aspects of catalysis and beyond.