Chelating template-induced encapsulation of NiO cluster in mesoporous silica via anionic surfactant-templated route

► We use triprotic surfactant as template for fabricating mesoporous silica. ► All nickel ions can be introduced into mesopores by means of chelating template. ► The derived composites exhibit fundamental mesoporous characteristics. ► The composition of composites can be adjusted by altering Ni2+/HED3A in initial template. ► Variety of metal oxides/silica mesoporous composites can be prepared via this route.