New horizons in synthesis, functionalization, and deposition of advanced materials using multifunctional organic alkalizers

This review describes new strategies in the use of multifunctional organic alkalizers (OA) for the fabrication of advanced functional materials. OA facilitate solubilization and delivery of poorly solubilized drugs through the formation of drug-OA complexes and supramolecular gels. OA are applied for the synthesis of materials for biomedical, energy storage, catalytic, photovoltaic, sensor, and electronic applications. The synthesis of nanocrystals with controlled size, crystal phase, shape, and tunable facets in the presence of OA-capping agents is described. The synthesis of materials for energy storage in batteries and supercapacitors using OA or adding OA to electrolytes results in improved power-energy characteristics and cyclic stability. The multifunctional OA allow the fabrication of advanced bioceramics and biocements, novel supramolecular gels, surface modification of materials for advanced catalytic, water purification, and sensor applications. Various challenges in the dispersion of functional nanoparticles are addressed for colloidal manufacturing. The ability of the OA to form supramolecular gels paves the way for the development of novel functional materials. New strategies in the solubilization of polymers and other functional materials open an avenue for the development of advanced electrodeposition methods for the deposition of polymer and composite films. Fundamental mechanisms and future research avenues are described.