The effect of 1-propanol on structure and hydrothermal stability of MSU-4 silica spheres

► 1-Propanol/water system is adopted to prepare MSU-4 silica. ► Silica spheres with tunable diameters are obtained when 1-propanol acts as co-solvent. ► Co-surfactant effect of 1-propanol induces changes in pore size of the silica spheres. ► The silica show good hydrothermal stability when 1-proponal plays the dual roles.