Anisotropic Janus materials: from micro-/nanostructures to applications

Janus materials have accumulated great achievements in recent years owing to their unique asymmetric structure and properties. In this review, recent advances of Janus materials including Janus particles and Janus membranes are summarized, and then the microstructures and applications of Janus materials are emphasized. The asymmetric wettability of Janus materials is related to the microstructure, hence the microstructures of Janus materials were analyzed, compared and summarized. Also presented are current and potential applications in sensing, drug delivery, oil-water separation and so on. Finally, a perspective on the research prospect and development of Janus materials in more fields is prospected.