Directing role of pH and ethanol vapour on the formation of 2D or 3D mesostructured silica and hybrid organo-silica thin films

A simple synthetic route leading to ordered mesostructured silica and organo-silica thin films is investigated by in situ X-ray experiments. The mesophase directing role of pH and of ethanol vapour pressure during film formation is demonstrated. Modi cations of these two parameters during dip coating results in three different 2D or 3D mesostructures (p6mm, P6(3)/mmc, or Pm3n).