Biobased ordered porous materials in the nano-to microscales

Ordered porous materials (OPMs) are defined according to pore size, where ordered macropores (>50 nm) govern transport of fluids and mesopores (>2 nm, <50 nm) and micropores (<2 nm, IUPAC definitions) control molecular or ionic interactions. The growing importance of sustainable materials has incentivized the development of biobased OPMs (bioOPMs) with pore sizes ranging from 0.3 nm–9 nm and 1 μm–500 μm. Synthesizing bioOPMs typically involves aqueous solutions and suspensions which require a thorough understanding of biobased precursor-water interactions. Emerging approaches in templating based on liquid foams, breath-figure, and micelles are pivotal for achieving ordered assemblies, with solidity and consolidation occurring through water removal. This review describes recent advances in the design and utilization of bioOPMs, particularly those produced by water-based templating. It also highlights notable exceptions to water-based synthesis and identifies gaps in the science and technology of bioOPMs, offering perspectives on future developments in the field.