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Preparation of structured meso–macroporous silica materials: influence of composition variables on material characteristics

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Abstract

Meso–macroporous silica materials with a well-ordered array of mesopores were prepared from oil-in-water emulsions. The influence of the following three composition variables on material characteristics was studied: the dispersed phase fraction of the emulsion, the concentration of silica used and the concentration of surfactant. The obtained materials were characterized via small-angle X-ray diffraction scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Hg intrusion porosimetry and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. A network of structured mesopores was obtained even when using a highly concentrated emulsion (volume of the disperse phase, ϕ ≥ 0.75). The mesopores network presented a hexagonal arrangement, with mesopore diameters between 4 and 7 nm. Non-ordered macropores, with diameters between 50 nm and 10–15 μm were also present, depending on composition variables. The isotherms were of type IV, typical of mesoporous materials, but at high p/p0 they were the usual shape for the macroporous materials. The possibility of tailoring mesopore and macropore structures by altering in composition variables could extend the application of these materials.

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Acknowledgments

Financial support from CYCYT CTQ2011-29336-C03-02 is gratefully acknowledged. We also thank to the Spanish Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) for the SAXS measurements. Mrs. María Martínez and Dr. Jordi Esquena for their advice on the SAXS results and Mr. Jonathan Miras for the nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franqués 1-11, Catalonia, Spain

    E. Santamaría, A. Maestro, M. Porras, J. M. Gutiérrez & C. González

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  1. E. Santamaría
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Santamaría, E., Maestro, A., Porras, M. et al. Preparation of structured meso–macroporous silica materials: influence of composition variables on material characteristics. J Porous Mater 21, 263–274 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10934-013-9771-6

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