Controlling physical features of mesoporous silicananoparticles (MSNs) for emerging applications

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with particle sizes less than 100 nm and desired properties have been synthesized using various methods for several promising applications in the fields of biomedicine and catalysis. In this Highlight article, we briefly review the recent advances in this emerging nanomaterial. Some general aspects including control of particle size, mesostructure and morphology, mechanism of formation, and future challenges are introduced and discussed.