CO2-induced micro-construction of hierarchical strings of mesoporous silica spheroids

A new pattern of hierarchical ordering, strings of mesoporous silica spheroids, was synthesized at the interface of CO2–water emulsion systems by the utilization of the additive of Na2CO3 and the structure-directing agent of surfactant Brij 97. The strings were self-constructed with spheroidal particles to form linear and branched patterns. Many defects were observed, which should be important in the formation of mesoporous silica spheroids. Templating of CO2–water emulsion was believed to access the pattern in strings. This work provides one example of micro-construction of alternative morphology, which should be significant on designing the novel patterns of mesoporous silica particles.