Replicating novel carbon nanostructures with 3D macroporous silica template

Three-dimensional macroporous carbon, carbon capsules with and without opening windows, solid carbon spheres and walnut-like carbon nanostructures were fabricated with macroporous silica as a template. The relationship between the structures and experimental conditions was studied. The carbon materials reported here may find application as photonic crystals, drug delivery systems, catalyst supports, and adsorbents.