Hollow capsule processing through colloidal templating and self-assembly

Hollow capsules of nanometer to micrometer dimensions constitute an important class of materials that are employed in diverse technological applications, ranging from the delivery of encapsulated products for cosmetic and medicinal purposes to their use as light-weight composite materials and as fillers with low dielectric constant in electronic components. Hollow capsules comprising polymer, glass, metal, and ceramic are nowadays routinely produced by using various chemical and physicochemical methods. The current article focuses on a recent novel and versatile technique, based on a combination of colloidal templating and self-assembly processes, developed for synthesizing uniform hollow capsules of a broad range of materials. The strategy outlined readily affords control over the size, shape, composition, and wall thickness of the hollow capsules.