Heteroatom-Containing Dendritic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

Owing to the optimized intrapore diffusion/mass transport, dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs) with unique wrinkled center-radial structures have attracted a special interest as new nanoreactors. Although several sophisticatedly designed methodologies have been developed to synthesize pure silica-based DMSNs with adjustable porosity and variable particle size, few studies have focused on the efficient synthesis of DMSNs containing heterometal atoms. In this chapter, based on the in-depth understanding on the formation mechanism of DMSNs with all the reported methods, we systematically reviewed the latest research progress in the synthesis of heteroatom-containing DMSNs (denoted as HC-DMSNs) and their typical catalytic applications. Ultimately, the chapter is concluded with an outlook on the prospects and challenges in terms of the precise design of HC-DMSNs with controlled size, defined catalytic active sites, and optimized catalytic properties.