Alternative Silica Sources in the Synthesis of Ordered Mesoporous Silica

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2021 May 1;21(5):2847-2854. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2021.19059.

Abstract

In this work, the influence of the use of alternative inexpensive silica sources on the structural, morphological and textural properties of MCM-41 like mesoporous materials to be used for biomedical applications has been investigated. The Liquid Crystal Template Method has been used to prepare the ordered mesoporous structured materials according to a novel composition starting from fumed silica or granular silica gel as alternative silica sources. The obtained materials have been characterized by X-ray Powder Diffraction, Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy, and nitrogen sorption, which showed for both samples the formation of the ordered hexagonal pore arrangement typical of a MCM-41 material. However, when using fumed silica, higher long-range hexagonal pore ordering as well as higher surface area have been obtained (1030 vs. 763 m²/g). For comparison, the features of a commercial silica mesostructured MCM-41 type have been investigated as well. Again, the silica fumed based sample has showed higher long-range hexagonal pore ordering, higher surface area and wall thickness. Preliminary stability studies on the fumed silica based material showed a decrease in the pore ordering at the end of the third year after the synthesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't