Abstract
Biopolymer chitosan templated bimodal porous silica materials with uniform macroporosity and narrowed mesopore size distribution were synthesized via fast precipitation of chitosan–silica hybrid composites (Chi/ SiO2 ). Clear Chi/ SiO2 solutions containing the biopolymer chitosan and siloxane-based inorganic network were prepared by hydrolysis of sodium metasilicate in the presence of biopolymer chitosan. The relative amount of chitosan in as-made Chi/ SiO2 was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Chi/ SiO2 was calcined at 600°C for 5 h in the presence air to remove chitosan, and characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. These porous silica products had high specific surface area of 500–550 m2/g, narrow pore size distribution and also bicontinuous macropore structure.
Published Version
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