One-step synthesis of nanostructured mesoporous ZIF-8/silica composites

A series of mesoporous ZIF-8/silica composites were prepared by a one-step surfactant mediated method. The as-synthesized ZIF-8/silica composites were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, XPS, nitrogen adsorption/desorption and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. Foam like disordered mesoporous structure and narrow mesopore size distribution were formed in the composites, resulting in a high mesopore volume as well as specific surface area which can be varied by adding different amounts of silica precursor. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.