One-pot synthesis of mesoporous [Al]-SBA-16 and acidity characterization by CO adsorption

We report here on the first one-pot synthesis of mesoporous silica SBA-16 containing aluminum. This material was successfully synthesised using poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) Pluronic F-127 (PEO106PPO70PEO106) as structure directing agent, butanol as co-surfactant and specifically adjusting the pH during the synthesis (i.e. adopting the so called “pH-adjusting method”). The structural and porosity properties of the novel [Al]-SBA-16 were studied by X-ray diffraction, 27Al-MAS–NMR and N2 adsorption at 77 K. The acidity was monitored by infrared spectroscopy of CO adsorption at 100 K.

Graphical abstractFor Gallo Bisio Marchese and Pastore one-pot synthesis of mesoporous Al-SBA-16 and acidity characterization by CO adsorption.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► [Al]SBA-16 was prepared by one pot synthesis using Pluronic 127 as directing agent. ► Butanol as co-surfactant allowed the preparation of a more organized structure. ► The type and strength of acid sites is the same with or without butanol. ► Butanol increases the number of acid sites by a factor of 6, pH adjustment is necessary for Al insertion in the structure.