Synthesis of templated mesoporous silica nanoparticles under base catalysis

Abstract

In this research, mesoporous silica nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a sol–gel process under base catalysis. The aim of this study is to control the size and distribution of porosities as well as to increase the specific surface area of the silica material using a template method. Tetraethoxysilane was employed as silica precursor with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide as template. The NH₄OH solution was used as base catalyst. The as synthesised mesoporous silica was then calcined at different temperatures in the range of 300–600°C. The results indicated that the optimal adsorption capacity was achieved when the calcination temperature reached 600°C due to the complete removal of silanol groups. When the cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide template was used, the specific surface area increased from 118 to 469 m² g⁻¹, enhancing the capability to adsorb the organic solution. The X-ray diffraction patterns demonstrated the amorphous nature of the sol–gel silica.