Hollow Mesoporous Functional Hybrid Materials: Fascinating Platforms for Advanced Applications

Functionalized hollow nano‐ and microspheres containing both hollow and mesoporous structures are fascinating materials for a broad range of applications, such as nanoparticle collectors, catalysis, drug delivery systems, immobilization of biomolecules, and the adsorption and separation of gas and pollutants, because of their empty interior. These hollow mesoporous silica materials are synthesized mainly via soft‐ and hard‐templating routes and are usually modified with a range of organic functional groups (SH, NH2, CN, CH3, CC, benzene, fluorine linked organoalkylsilanes, and ethane‐, amine, benzene, and biphenyl‐bridged silanes) to improve their performance in many applications. This article outlines the most advanced applications of silica‐based and functionalized hollow mesoporous materials that are reported in the last 3 years (January 2014–June 2017). The high applicability of hollow materials in various fields is discussed, including drug delivery and cancer therapy, bioimaging, adsorption/separation, catalysis, thermal and electrical insulators, anticorrosion, sensors, fuel cells, proton conductors, membrane, optics, superhydrophobic surfaces, and fire safety. Functionalized hollow mesoporous materials are one of most interesting materials in recent years because they work as a fascinating platform for controlled morphology and properties. This article overviews the recent research trends on the silica‐based and functionalized hollow mesoporous silica along with their advanced applications, such as drug delivery, adsorption, catalysis, thermal and electrical insulators, anticorrosion, bioimaging, and sensors.