Regioselectively Ordered Silica Nanotubes by Molecular Templating

Regioselectively ordered silica nanotubes are formed on molecular polysaccharide derivatives under mild conditions by sol–gel processing using biomimetic principles. The cellulose molecules serve as a rigid backbone, whilst structure-directing oligopropylamino residues are introduced to mimic the functional groups responsible for silica formation by diatoms (see figure). The obtained silica nanotubes exhibit a dual microstructure, consisting of an ordered near-core region and an amorphous mantle.