Methods for forming compositions containing glass

A method for forming a glass-containing item, the method comprising:

• providing a first structure having a first surface;
• providing a second structure having a second surface, said second surface being patterned and porous;
• disposing between said first surface and said second surface a first amount of a composition comprising a glass;
• heating together the first and second structures and the first amount of the composition sufficiently to soften the first amount of the composition such that the first and second structures, under gravity or an otherwise applied force, move toward each other, such that the pattern of the second surface is formed into the first amount of the composition;
• cooling together the first and second structures and the first amount of the composition sufficiently to stabilize the first amount of the composition and the pattern formed into the first amount of the composition,
• wherein the second structure comprises porous carbon having an open porosity of at least 5% and wherein the method further comprises removing the first amount of the composition from the second surface, without damage to the first amount of the composition or to the second surface such that said the second surface is in condition for re-use, the first amount of the composition forming a first formed article.