The three-dimensional sponge-like mesoporous material TUD-1 is straightforward to prepare. Its synthesis can readily be modified to introduce metals into the framework of TUD-1, imparting many different catalytic activities. M-TUD-1 catalysts have proven to be very active, unlimited by diffusion and very stable. By combining two metals into one TUD-1 catalyst, synergy between Lewis and Brønsted acid sites could be induced; incorporation of zeolites similarly gave rise to synergy. In addition to successful applications in redox-, acid- and photo-catalysis TUD-1 proved to be an excellent carrier material for catalysts, enabling new applications. TUD-1 was used as a contrast agent and drug delivery system, indicating that this material is but at the beginning of its potential applications.

A novel wormhole structured mesoporous material containing tin, SnTUD-1, was prepared by a direct hydrothermal synthesis method using triethanolamine (TEA) as an organic inexpensive mesoporous structure directing agent. XRD and N₂ sorption studies of SnTUD-1 confirmed the amorphous mesoporous nature of SnTUD-1, which possessed a large surface area of 555 m² g⁻¹ and a pore diameter of 7.4 nm. HR-TEM further ascertained the disordered pores in their morphology and the presence of nano-domains of SnO₂ species. The nature of the Sn⁴⁺ ion co-ordination with the silica matrix was evaluated by using different techniques including diffuse reflectance UV-Vis, FTIR, ²⁹Si MAS NMR and XPS. SnTUD-1 had an interesting Lewis acidity as measured by FTIR of pyridine adsorption which provided excellent activities in one-pot three-component Mannich-type reactions of ketones with aldehydes and amines at room temperature.