Solubilization of decane into gemini surfactant with a modified Jeffamine backbone: Design of hierarchical porous silica

Herein, we have investigated the solubilization of decane into a novel nonionic gemini surfactant, myristoyl-end capped Jeffamine, synthesized from a polyoxyalkyleneamine (ED900). Starting from this system, porous silica materials have been prepared. Performing the hydrothermal treatment at low temperature, a slight increase of the mesopore diameter is observed in the presence of decane. Increasing the temperature of the hydrothermal treatment, no swelling effect of decane is detected. By contrast, the pore diameter decreases but better mesopore homogeneity and a larger wall thickness are obtained. At high decane concentration the new myristoyl-end capped Jeffamine/decane/water system forms oil-in-water emulsions, which are used as template for the formation of hierarchical porous silica materials.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Decane solubilization into a myristoyl-end capped Jeffamine surfactant. ► Swelling or penetration of decane molecules in the hexagonal liquid crystal phase. ► Porous silica obtained from myristoyl-end capped Jeffamine in the presence of decane. ► Effect of decane and hydrothermal treatment temperature on the mesopore expansion. ► Increase of decane concentration leads to hierarchical porous materials.