Synthesis of mesoporous silicas in alkaline and acidic media using the systems cetyltrimethylammonium tosylate (CTAT)-Pluronic F127 triblock copolymer and CTAT-Pluronic F68 triblock copolymer as templates

► Mesoporous silica materials were synthesized in alkaline and acidic media. ► Bicontinous materials are obtained in alkaline synthesis. ► Monolithic materials are obtained in acidic synthesis. ► Silicas synthesized by using cetyltrimethylammonium tosylate as template show bimodal pore distribution. ► Systems having the block copolymer show small and nearly round pores.