Preparation of silica nanoflakes with spherical mesopores using a dual-templating approach

• Silica nanoflakes with spherical mesopores were prepared.
• The pore architectures were controlled by the F127 block copolymer.
• The morphologies were controlled by the organic self-assemblies.

A pair of chiral low-molecular-weight amphiphiles (LMWAs) was synthesized from phenylglycine, which forms a viscous solution in water. Mesoporous silica nanoflakes were prepared via a dual-templating approach using F127 block copolymer and the LMWAs. The morphologies and pore architectures of the silica nanoflakes were studied using transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and N2 sorptions. The spherical mesopores opened onto the surfaces of the nanoflakes and were organized in a two-dimensional, hexagonal-like structure. We believe that the pore architectures and morphologies were controlled by the F127 block copolymer and the self-assembly of the LMWAs, respectively. This kind of material has potential for applications in separation and catalysis.