Triblock copolymer templated semi-crystalline mesoporous titania films containing emulsion-induced macropores

Triblock copolymer templated synthesis of titania films in water (without ethanol) was demonstrated, which led to the formation of emulsions in the aqueous precursor solutions by adding hydrophobic 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene (TIPBz). A cubic Im-3m mesoporous anatase film containing emulsion-induced macropores was prepared by spin-coating of an aqueous precursor solution of water-soluble triblock copolymer such as Pluronic F127 through the evaporation-induced self-assembly approach. The addition of TIPBz in the aqueous system also affords pinhole-like macrospaces in the mesostructured film. Expansion of the pinhole-like macrospaces during calcination would offset a tensile stress through shrinkage with the retention of the mesostructure, leading to complete crystallization of the titania framework that is important for effective adsorption of DNA molecules.