Facile one-step solid-state reaction route to synthesize ordered mesoporous β-Zn2SiO4–SiO2 nanocomposites

Ordered crystalline mesoporous β-Zn2SiO4–SiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by one-step solid-state reaction using mesoporous silica as both template and silica source. Zinc oxide formed by decomposition of zinc nitrate reacts with mesoporous silica and the β-Zn2SiO4 forms and disperses inside the silica walls. The obtained β-Zn2SiO4–SiO2 nanocomposites possess hexagonal mesostructure with the β-Zn2SiO4 weight percentage below 40%. The β-Zn2SiO4 nanocrystals are surrounded by the non-crystalline silica of mesoporous walls. The non-crystalline silica acting as a binder to stick β-Zn2SiO4 nanocrystals plays a role in restraining the phase transformation from β-Zn2SiO4 to α-Zn2SiO4 and increasing the thermal stability of mesoporous β-Zn2SiO4. The crystalline mesoporous β-Zn2SiO4 may be a potential candidate for application as absorbents, for separation and as phosphors.