ABSTRACT
Metallic nanoparticles present very distinct and useful optical and catalytical properties, derived from their controlled size and shape. However, their applications can be limited due to chemical instability or incompatibility with the reaction medium. To overcome this issue and to increment the potentiality of such nanomaterials, core-shell nanoparticles with mesoporous oxides shells have been developed. The mesoporous shell ensures the communication with the medium, preventing direct contact of the metallic particle with it. Moreover, the pores can be functionalized, incrementing, even more, the possible applications.
In this chapter, the main synthesis pathways to obtain metallic nanoparticles covered with mesoporous shells will be described, along with the characterization techniques that are used to determine their structural and physicochemical properties. Moreover, the main applications of these multifunctional materials in the areas of catalysis, sensing, therapy and diagnostic will be discussed.
