Sonochemical formation of metal sponges.

A novel sonochemical method for formation of mesoporous metal sponges is developed. Systematic investigation of ultrasound effects on various types of metal particles reveals the cavitation-induced oxidation of metal surface and etching of metal matrix as main factors in the ultrasound-driven metal modification. Beyond the specific examples, the findings provide guidelines for expansion of the concept towards a broad variety of metal systems and allow development of the sonochemical approaches to manipulation of the metal surface and inner structure.