makropooride

Makropooride is a hypothetical porous solid characterized by a network of interconnected macropores with diameters typically exceeding 50 nanometers, yielding high porosity and low density. The term, from macro- and poros-, reflects its design goal: to combine large pore channels with solid connectivity. Although discussed in theoretical contexts and some speculative literature, makropooride has not been reported as a confirmed mineral or synthesized material in peer-reviewed journals.

Structure and properties: The material is envisioned as a rigid oxide or composite phase forming a continuous skeleton that holds the macropore network open. Porosity could exceed 70-90% with pore connectivity enabling rapid transport. Mechanical strength depends on the skeleton's density and interconnectivity; thermal stability would be material-dependent, with oxide-based versions showing higher resistance.

Synthesis: In speculative routes, makropooride can be produced by templating macroporous structures, using sacrificial beads or ice-templating to create pore templates, followed by template removal and sintering under controlled conditions to retain pore integrity. Doping or coarsening strategies could tune pore size distribution and surface chemistry.

Applications: Potential uses include catalysis with rapid mass transport, adsorption and separation of large molecules, lightweight supports for energy storage devices, and scaffolds for tissue engineering in biomedical contexts, should biocompatibility be achieved. Realization would require overcoming mechanical fragility and achieving scalable synthesis.

See also: Macroporous materials, porous ceramics, metal–organic frameworks, zeolites, polymer foams.