Rationalization of the synthesis of SBA-16: Controlling the micro- and mesoporosity

The effects of the synthesis parameters on the properties of the cubic Im3m SBA-16 have been investigated systematically for the first time. We show that the total pore volume, pore diameter, and ratio micro-/mesopores can be controlled very efficiently by changing the synthesis time, temperature, and the TEOS/surfactant ratio. We also argue that at high TEOS/surfactant ratios, structures with internal microporous nanocapsules will be created. These materials have unprecedentedly high micropore contributions, which can comprise up to 65% of the total pore volume.