Removal of copolymer template from SBA-15 studied by 1H MAS NMR

SBA-15 samples before and after copolymer template removal by thermal treatment or solvent washing were checked with 1H magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance which was proved to be the most sensitive technique to check the complete removal of organic templates. During thermal treatment surface hydroxyl groups exchanging with waters were reduced and isolated silanol groups were increased. Washing in ethanol was 3 times more effective than in water to remove P123. SBA-15 structure changed to less ordered state in the aspect of chemical bonding by thermal treatment, but did not by washing.