Hofmeister anion effects on surfactant self-assembly and the formation of mesoporous solids

Recent work on mesoporous silica formation using cationic and non-ionic templates has unveiled a large number of anion effects. Anions are seen to change the hydrolysis rates of the silicate precursors, affecting the surface properties and morphologies of the final products after calcination, and they often improve the hydrothermal stability of the silica materials. These advances are reviewed in connection with the Hofmeister series of anions and the known effects of anions on the self-assembly and phase behavior of cationic and non-ionic surfactants.