Monomicelle-induced assembly route toward low-dimensional mesoporous nanomaterials for catalysis

Low-dimensional mesoporous nanomaterials (LDMNs), which possess complementary properties in the mesoscale and nanoscale, have realized more technological potentials in a wide range of applications, in particular, catalysis. Although still in its infancy, the proposed monomicelles-induced assembly (MIA) has been proved to be an emerging and powerful toolbox for the direct synthesis of LDMNs with well-controlled mesostructures and architectures. This review starts from the developmental history of the MIA strategy and then discuss general protocols to fabricate the monomicelles. After that, manipulation of the monomicelles' assembly by well-designed interfaces and confined spaces for the controllable fabrication of LDMNs are reviewed in detail. Then, catalytic applications, including thermal, photo- and electrocatalysis, of LDMNs are discussed critically based on the structure-performance relationship. This review ends with a brief summary and further directions of the MIA strategy, paving the way for the synthesis of sophisticated mesoporous assemblies to achieve advanced functionalities.