Preparation of mesoporous oxide films via block copolymer templating

Mesoporous silica films have been synthesized by a modified sol-gel method in the presence of poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymers as structure-directing agents. Influence of synthetic conditions on the formation of mesoporous silica films has been investigated. Porosity of samples can be controlled by block copolymer concentration and aging time of precursor solutions, while the block length of block copolymers affects mesoporous structures. Post-deposition chemical treatment using vaporized ammonia makes it possible to control and stabilize the mesoporous structures. Cooperation interaction mechanism can be considered as an acceptable model for the structural formation in the synthesis of mesoporous silica films. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.