Synthesis and characterization of mesostructured borosilica oxynitrides

Mesoporous borosilica oxynitrides were prepared by heat treatment of boron substituted MCM-41 in flowing ammonia at high-temperatures. Based on absorption–desorption isotherms, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXRD) measurement of the samples, it was found that the mesostructured ordering, high BET surface area and narrow pore size distribution of B-MCM-41 could be maintained after nitridation. Mesostructured borosilica oxynitrides may be potential acid–base solid catalysts in future.