Template Recycling and Reuse in MCM-41 Synthesis: Statistical Study

Abstract

The recycle and reuse of template in MCM-41 synthesis were analysed using 23 full factorial design in order to study the effect of the template extraction parameters on the mass of MCM-41 powder produced. Four consecutive MCM-41 synthesis cycles utilizing the recycled template were studied with three factors that are ethanol fraction (A), amount of ion exchange agent (B) and the type of ion exchange agent (C). The significant effects contributed by the factors A, B and C and their interactions were identified through the half-normal probability plot and normal probability plot of the residuals. F-test and t-test were carried out to test the contribution of regression coefficients for synthesis cycles of MCM-41 synthesis models. AB interaction showed that larger mass of MCM-41 powder was obtained at high ethanol volume fraction and high quantity of ion exchange agent when either type of ion exchange agent was used.