A fully tunable encapsulation of functional micro/nanomaterials
inside three-dimensional (3D) porous structures by the unique rotational
vortexing operation is reported. The constantly swirling liquid flow
through a porous matrix induces efficient particle stacking onto the
supporting substrate fiber surface via van der Waals interaction.
Homogeneous or gradient distributions of functional nanomaterials
inside porous structure are achievable, depending on the relative
dimensions between filling material and matrix pore size, while the
vortexing duration and precursor concentration affect the total captured
particle quantity. This unique stereo control over particle packing
relies on gradient accumulations of colloidal particles from the exterior
edge to the center by three pairs of directional filtration from two
opposite faces of a cubic sponge. This material filling approach overcomes
conventional obstacles such as process complexity, expensive equipment
necessity, and material distribution uncertainty, which should inspire
the development of filling technology for diverse stereo-architecture-related
applications.