Synthesis and characterization of SBA-16-type mesoporous silica under a moderately acidic condition
A SBA-16-type mesoporous silica material was synthesized under a moderately acidic condition of 0.5 mol·L -1 HCl solution.These mesoporous materials were characterized with X-ray diffraction(XRD)pattern,scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements.The three-dimensional microporosity of the prepared mesoporous silica having ordered hexagonal mesoporous structure was evidenced by the well-defined XRD patterns combined with TEM photographs.SEM observation showed a highly ordered cubic crystal structure for the prepared mesoporous silica.The size of these crystallites was maintained within the range of 4—6 μm,which is fairly important for the application to the stationary phase for separation.The nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis revealed that the prepared mesoporous silica possessed a small pore diameter of 3.68 nm,a total surface area of 363.65 m2·g -1 ,a total pore volume of 0.38 cm3·g -1 ,and a pore-wall thickness of 6.63 nm.These features may lead to higher thermal and hydrothermal stability,excellent microporosity,and good connectivity.The mesoporous silica prepared in this study exhibited potential applications to catalysis,sensoring,and separation.