Solid-state synthesis of mesoporous metals via mechanochemical coordination self-assembly

Mesoporous metals with large surface area, high pore volume, and uniform pore structure hold excellent advantages for various applications. However, the state-of-the-art synthesis methods are still limited to wet chemistry, which requires excessive solvents and a time-consuming drying process. Here, we report a facile and general mechanochemical coordination self-assembly strategy to prepare mesoporous metals (e.g., Rh, Ru, Ir, Pt, Pd, Ag, Co, and Ni) with remarkable porous properties by using metal chlorides and cationic polymer interplay. Compared with the wet chemistry process, this method proceeds without solvents and does not need complicated experimental conditions and long synthetic periods, which not only greatly reduces the consumption of cost and energy and environmental pollution, but also improves the synthesis efficiency and yield of target products. We believe the developed approach will provide a general pathway for the scalable preparation of advanced porous materials.