Controlling the primary particle evolution process towards silica monoliths with tunable hierarchical structure

► Using hydroxyl carboxylic acids to create a weak acidic synthetic condition. ► Adjusting the resembling process of micro-morphology to mesostructure. ► Hierarchical monoliths exhibit a high mechanical strength up to 25 N cm−2. ► Efficiently eliminate particulate matters and tobacco special nitrosamines in smoke.