Shell mimetics

The synthesis of mesoporous silica sell‐shapes, with spiral and gyroid forms and ornate surface designs (see the inside front cover for examples), is described. High‐resolutioin SEM, TEM, and AFM were used to establish the spatial relationship between the bulk and surface mesosstructure and the overall morphpology of the shell mimies. The various stages in the growth of the shell‐shapes are described, which create silicified shell forms with periodic mesopores but devoid of microcystalline order.