The synthesis of mesoporous materials using novel ionic liquid templates in water

The alkyltrimethylammonium templates, cited in the original patent for the preparation of MCM-41, have been replaced by a novel set of templates, 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium salts. Systematic studies have revealed subtle differences in the performance of the novel templates, and identify them as viable reagents in the synthesis of good quality MCM-41.