Large-pore periodic mesoporous silicas with crystalline channel walls and exceptional hydrothermal stability synthesized by a general high-pressure nanocasting route

Periodic mesoporous quartz was synthesized by a generally applicable nanocasting method at industrially achievable pressure (2–4 GPa) and temperature (750 °C) conditions. The materials have fcc lattice of interconnected spherical mesopores with diameters of ca. 15–18 nm, BET surface areas of 234–238 m2 g−1, and pore volumes of 0.70–0.84 cm3 g−1. They show exceptional hydrothermal stability of at least 800 °C in pure steam which appears suitable for practical applications in petroleum cracking.

Graphical abstractPeriodic mesoporous quartz was synthesized by a generally applicable nanocasting method at industrially achievable pressure (2–4 GPa) and temperature (750 °C) conditions. The materials have an fcc lattice of interconnected spherical mesopores with diameters of ca. 15–18 nm, BET surface areas of 234–238 m2 g−1, and pore volumes of 0.70–0.84 cm3 g−1. They show exceptional hydrothermal stability of at least 800 °C in pure steam which appears suitable for practical applications in petroleum cracking.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Generally applicable high-pressure nanocasting method. ► First synthesis of large-pore periodic mesoporous silica (SiO2) with crystalline walls. ► First synthesis of periodic mesoporous silica with dense crystalline walls. ► Exceptional hydrothermal properties. ► First mesoporous form of quartz.