Control of structure, pore size and morphology of 3-dimensionally ordered mesoporous silicas prepared using the dicationic surfactant [CH₃(CH₂)₁₅N(CH₃)₂(CH₂)₃N(CH₃)₃]Br₂

The synthesis of mesoporous silicas in the presence of the dicationic gemini surfactant [CH3 (CH2)(15) N(CH3)(2) (CH2)(3) N(CH3)(3)]Br-2 (C16-3-1) has been investigated at low temperatures (-4 degreesC) under basic and acidic conditions. Under basic conditions, the SBA-2 phase (based on a close-packed arrangement of micelles and exhibiting frequent stacking faults) is observed, with hollow sphere morphology. Under strongly acidic conditions, the phase SBA-1 (Pm (3) over barn) and the SBA-2 family of phases (based on the close packing of micelles) are observed, depending on the surfactant and silicate content of the original gel. Conditions under which the pure hexagonally close-packed end member of the family (P6(3)/mmc) is formed have been identified. SBA-1 and the pure hexagonally close-packed end member are prepared with well-defined morphologies. The adsorption of nitrogen and the hydrocarbons cyclopentane and mesitylene reveal that SBA-2 prepared in basic media has a cage structure where the cages are linked through small (<4 &ANGS;) micropores, whereas the silicas prepared in acidic media have larger pores after calcination. SBA-1 and a poorly ordered SBA-2, prepared using C16-3-1 under acidic conditions, are able to adsorb mesitylene (diameter ca. 8 &ANGS;), whereas the hexagonal end member of the SBA-2 series prepared under acidic conditions is able to adsorb cyclopentane (diameter ca. 5 &ANGS;) but not mesitylene.