Silica-based mesoporous molecular sieves derived from a layered polysilicate kanemite - A review

Synthesis of highly ordered mesoporous materials derived from a layered polysilicate kanemite has been reviewed. Silica-surfactant mesostructured materials are obtained by the reaction of kanemite with alkyltrimethylammonium ions. Calcination of silica-surfactant mesophase materials yields ordered mesoporous molecular sieves. Substantial replacement of alkyltrimethylammonium ions for interlayer Na ions and careful adjustment of pH in the reaction media are necessary for the preparation of ordered mesoporous silica. Formation processes of the silicate-surfactant mesophase materials have been monitored by in-situ powder X-ray diffraction technique which has indicated the presence of a lamellar phase before the appearance of a hexagonal phase. Comparison of these materials with MCM-41 is briefly mentioned. The properties and potential applications of these materials are also briefly outlined.