Ordered mesostructured materials with optical functionality

Mesostructured and mesoporous materials with incorporated photo-active spec ies are currently attracting attention as components for compounds with nov el optical properties. The nanoscale organization (2-15 nm) of organic/inor ganic arrays or the porous structure can be used to tailor the properties a nd microenvironments. Polymer alignment within the pores las shown in the p icture), the generation of size-limited silicon clusters, and the one-step synthesis of laser materials are some highlighted examples.