Synthesis of skeletal-structured biporous silicate powders through microcolloidal crystal templating

Biporous silicates with both a MCM-41 mesophase and a skeletal macrophase (see Figure) are synthesized using a new and simple method. Transmission electron microscopy confirms the existence of both mesopores and macropores, and a model of the formation of skeletal macroporosity is proposed. The synthetic method could lead to larger-scale production of powdered biporous silicates.