A novel room temperature synthesis of mesoporous SBA-15 from silatrane

Well-ordered and stable two dimensional mesoporous silica, SBA-15, was synthesized at room temperature (RT) from a silatrane precursor and a nonionic triblock copolymer (EO₂₀PO₇₀EO₂₀) as the structuredirecting agent. Using a combination of small angle X-ray scattering, electron microscopy, and nitrogen gas absorption-desorption isotherms, the RT product was found to be equivalent to SBA-15 prepared using more elaborative microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods. Both synthesis routes yielded large surface areas (486-613 m²/g), pore diameters (45-67 Å) and channel volumes (0.6-0.8 cm³/g). All materials condensed as sinuous bundles of silica tubes in a morphology that approximates p6mm symmetry, but where long range order was absent. In addition, portions of the products consisted of fine crystalline mosaics or were aperiodic. The simplicity of the room temperature synthesis route may create an inexpensive and energy-saving process for the large scale production of thermally stable SBA-15 as a catalyst support.