Morphology control of MSU-1 silica particles

Mesoporous silica, MSU-1 with spherical morphology was prepared using TEOS (tetraethylorthosilicate) as a silica source in the presence of an alkyl polyethylene oxide surfactant via the novel two-step process proposed by Prouzet’s group: hydrolysis of TEOS conducted in highly acidic condition at room temperature followed by condensation promoted by fluoride salt addition at 35 °C. The particles produced were characterized by XRD, SEM, and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm. Static condensation period was found to be essential to have spherical morphology. Growth of spherical particles and evolution of porosity were studied as a function of time, temperature, NaF/TEOS, and TEOS/surfactant ratio. The MSU-1 particles prepared under different synthesis conditions were briefly tested for chromatographic separation of selected organic molecules, which demonstrates the governing influence of the pore size in MSU-1 on retention time.