Synthesis of ordered mesostructured polymer–organosilica composites by the triconstituent co-assembly method

Ordered mesoporous polymer–organosilica composites have been synthesized through a triconstituent co-assembly strategy. These composites have ordered 2-D hexagonal mesostructures (space group p6m) with uniform pore size (6.2–7.3 nm), suitable surface areas (619–794 m2 g−1) and pore volumes (0.61–0.88 cm3 g−1). With increasing BTSE (1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane) content, the surface area and pore volume reduce. The composites have homogeneous interpenetrating frameworks, in which both polymer and organosilica synergistically support the ordered mesostructure. The hybrid materials exhibit good adsorption capacities of benzene (up to 2.0 mmol g−1), suggesting their use as a potential adsorbent for removal of volatile organic compounds.