1. Could you explain the significance of your article to the non-specialist? 

There have been many attempts toward the production of mesoporous films with mesochannels aligned uniaxially because the macroscopic alignment of mesochannels and the directional control are significant for advanced nanomaterials with controlled functions. In this paper, the effect of a strong magnetic field on the preparation of mesoporous silica films was systematically investigated by using two kinds of templates, and mesoporous silica films with uniaxially oriented mesochannels were prepared by dip coating under a steady-homogeneous magnetic field (12 Tesla). This process has many advantageous points and is efficient and simple for controlled alignment of mesochannels. Neither modification of substrate surfaces nor the use of specific substrate is needed. Moreover, complex preparative conditions are not needed at all. Any surfactants can be principally aligned if they have magnetic anisotropies.

 

2. What has motivated you to conduct this work? 

According to the development of superconducting technology, a high magnetic field (higher than 10 T) currently is easily available. Magnetically induced anisotropy is important and powerful for the alignment of nanostructures. A strong magnetic field is effective even for paramagnetic or diamagnetic materials with small susceptibilities. Aggregates of diamagnetic molecules with ordered structures, such as crystals, liquid crystals, and polymers, are well-known to orient under strong magnetic fields. On the other hand, there has been a very strong demand for the uniaxial alignment of mesochannels in mesoporous films. Such a situation has motivated us to develop new methodology for the alignment control of mesochannels in films.

 

3. Where do you see this work developing in the future? 

Our approach, utilizing the magnetic transition of LLC containing inorganic species, can be introduced for the systems of not only silica but also many inorganic-oxides including tin-oxide and titania. Our work will stimulate various future applications.

 

4. Are there any particular challenges facing future research in this area?

Our future target is, of course, the production of mesoporous films with mesochannels aligned completely perpendicular to a substrate and with controlled uniform pore-sizes and wall thicknesses. Perpendicular alignment is a vital issue for further development of new functional materials, such as high-sensitive chemical sensors, highly selective separation media, ultra-high-density-recording media, etc. By the use of super strong magnetic field (> 30 T), this process should lead to the production of mesoporous films with perfectly aligned mesochannels in the very near future.