Rapid synthesis of well-ordered mesoporous silica from sodium silicate

A rapid synthesis method of well-ordered mesoporous silica with a narrow pore size distribution (2–3 nm) was described. The sodium silicate and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) were used as a silica source and a template, respectively. And the effects of synthesis conditions on the structure of mesoporous silica were also investigated. Mild acidic medium is helpful to synthesize the well-ordered mesoporous silica, and a relative higher weight ratio of CTAB/sodium silicate (1.5/5.0) is necessary. Moreover, a short aging time (8 h) and an appropriate temperature (about 20 °C) are beneficial to obtain the mesoporous silica with a narrow pore size distribution.

Graphical abstractWell-ordered mesoporous silica was synthesized from sodium silicate using CTAB as a template. The optimum synthesis condition was as follows: weigh ratio of CTAB/sodium silicate was 1.5/5.0, the pH value of reaction system was 3, and the aging condition is 8 h at 20 °C.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Well-ordered mesoporous silica is synthesized from low-cost sodium silicate. ► This method is rapid and low cost, and the synthesis conditions are mild. ► The effect of synthesis conditions on the pore structure is discussed.