Polymerization within Nanoporous Anodized Alumina Oxide Templates (AAO): A Critical Survey

Abstract

In the last few years, the polymerization of monomers within the nanocavities of porous materials has been thoroughly studied and developed, allowing for the synthesis of polymers with tailored morphologies, chemical architectures and functionalities. This is thus a subject of paramount scientific and technological relevance, which, however, has not previously been analyzed from a general perspective. The present overview reports the state of the art on polymerization reactions in spatial confinement within porous materials, focusing on the use of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. It includes the description of the AAO templates used as nanoreactors. The polymerization reactions are categorized based on the polymerization mechanism. Amongst others, this includes electrochemical polymerization, free radical polymerization, step polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). For each polymerization mechanism, a further subdivision is made based on the nature of the monomer used. Other aspects of “in situ” polymerization reactions in restricted AAO geometries include: conversion monitoring, kinetic studies, modeling and polymer characterization. In addition to the description of the polymerization process itself, the use of polymer materials derived from polymerization in AAO templates in nanotechnology applications, is also highlighted. Finally, the review is concluded with a general discussion outlining the challenges that remain in the field.

Upcycling Discarded Aluminum Cans into Nanoporous Membranes as an Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Strategy for Fabricating Polymer Nanoarrays and Self-Cleaning Surfaces

“…Then, the aluminum cans are anodically oxidized using the two-step anodization method, , as displayed in Figure b. In the experimental setup of anodic oxidation, the aluminum sheet is placed on the anode and a carbon rod serves as the cathode. ,− Besides, 0.3 M oxalic acid serves as an electrolyte in the anodic oxidation process and the temperature is kept at 0 °C . The porous aluminum oxide membranes are obtained after completion of the oxidation process.…”

“…Porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes possess numerous advantages, including larger surface areas, remarkable mechanical strengths, simple fabrication methods, and favorable portability. − Therefore, AAO membranes have demonstrated their applicability in areas such as sensors, filtration, and drug delivery . Furthermore, AAO membranes have been demonstrated as feasible candidates for various industrial applications. , One of the applications is serving as nanoscale scaffolds for the growth of nanomaterials, such as polymers, metals, and cells. − In this study, we present the preparations of AAO membranes using discarded aluminum cans. The two-step anodic oxidation method is employed to create nanoporous membranes, , T-AAO and S-AAO membranes.…”

3D printed microfluidic chip integrated with nanointerferometer for multiplex detection of foodborne pathogens

“…The integration of aptamers with anodic alumina oxide (AAO) shows promise as an advanced platform for rapid and specific target detection by functionalizing AAO's nanopores for efficient molecule capture, reducing the need for complex modifications. [23][24][25] Furthermore, AAO's unique optical and electrochemical properties can be utilized to convert binding events into measurable signals.…”

Stable Loading of TiO2 Catalysts on the Surface of Metal Substrate for Enhanced Photocatalytic Toluene Oxidation

“…Table 2 shows the loading efficiency of TiO 2 powder on the surface of aluminum plates treated by anodizing etching. Compared with the pristine aluminum plate, the anodizing etching could also effectively improve the loading efficiency of TiO 2 powder, which may be attributed to the improvement of surface morphology [24,25]. Under the same current (5 mA), the anodizing time had an impact on the loading efficiency of TiO 2 powder, which may be ascribed to the different surface roughness derived from the formation of Al 2 O 3 .…”