Non-ionic templating of silica: formation mechanism and structure

This review article is focused on the relationship between formation mechanism and structure in mesoporous silicas made the presence of ethylene oxide-containing surfactants and amphiphilic block copolymers. The phenomenon of substantial microporosity in these materials can be ascribed to the good compatibility of poly(ethylene oxide) head groups with silica. Analytical studies of the porous products are compared with mechanistic considerations, revealing both to be complementary. A general idea of the location of template head groups (or the hydrophilic blocks) during sol–gel processing is discussed, which has major implications to the overall pore structure.