Bi-continuous porous structures from the selective dissolution of ionic solid solutions

Bi-continuous porous metal evolves from the selective dissolution of an alloy, a process known as dealloying. Here we report similar observation in NaCl NaCl-AgCl solid solution. A procedure simultaneous quenching and that retains homogeneity solution is designed with help small-angle neutron scattering. The water creates bi-continuous AgCl smooth ligaments pores ~300 nm wide, which can coarsen up without altering morphology. Post-mortem elemental analysis identifies NaCl-compositional threshold at 35%, below no occurs, critical behavior suggestive need for percolating pathways. work reveals intriguing similarities between dissolutions metallic ionic solutions, bridging their mechanisms promising new ways fabricating functional materials.