Controlling the window size in mesoporous SBA-16

Abstract

The structure of the mesoporous silica SBA-16 has been interrogated by careful elimination of the organic templating agent using ozone treatment. It is shown that the as-synthesised material consists of large cages connected by very narrow, ca. 7 Å, windows. These windows open up to about 20 Å following a calcination treatment that suggests that the functionality of SBA-16 could be changed markedly depending upon the post-synthesis treatment. The structure of SBA-16 is compared with surfaces of constant mean curvature. This illustrates that although most of the structure conforms to a surface of constant mean curvature the necks in the structure near the windows deviate strongly. This confirms that attractive forces in this region during synthesis play an important role in shaping the final structure. Following calcination the structure changes as the silica framework relaxes to a constant surface energy.

Synthesis and Application of Cerium-Incorporated SBA-16 Supported Ni-Based Oxygen Carrier in Cyclic Chemical Looping Steam Methane Reforming

“…The SBA-16 mesoporous silica is known as one of the novel structure of this family. Thick pore walls, high surface area, prominent thermal and hydrothermal stability, three-dimensional (3D) and cubic structure make SBA-16 be an outstanding catalyst or support [25]. However, as pure SBA-16 suffers from lack of sufficient acidity and coke deposition, the modification seems to be needed.…”