Synthesis of mesoporous silica by a surface charge reversal route

Pore size adjustable mesoporous silica was synthesized by adsorption of varying amounts of sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate at the surface of silica activated by zinc ion via a novel surface charge reversal route. The pore size and volume can be adjusted from 5.9 to 13.76 nm and 0.88 to 1.08 cm3 g−1, respectively, with increasing the SDBS concentration from 0.77 to 3.08 mmol L−1. Adsorption of Zn2+ as a function of pH and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms demonstrated that the metal ions such as Zn2+ could be readily removed with dilute nitric acid without apparent collapse of the pore structure at the proper range of SDBS concentration.

Graphical abstractThis paper demonstrates that the surface charge reversal caused by adsorption of zinc ions could be an effective approach for synthesizing pore adjustable silica.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (85 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Using TEOS as a silica source. ► Adsorption of divalent metal ions at the surfaces of silica. ► Adding SDBS as a template. ► Formation of mesostructured silica. ► Obtaining the mesoporous silica after calcinations.