Abstract
Mesoporous silica matrices have been prepared via classic acid catalyzed and sono-catalyzed sol-gel routes. Tetramethoxysilan (TMOS) and methyl-trimethoxysilane (MTMS) were used as silica precursors, and N-butyl-3-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate ([bmPy][BF4]) was employed as co-solvent and pore template. The ionic liquid (IL) to silica mole ratio was varied between 0.007 and 0.07. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption and small-angle neutron scattering measurements were used to characterize the obtained materials. The ionic liquid played the role of catalyst that affected the formation of the primary xerogel particles, and changed the porosity of the materials. Ultrasound treatment resulted in microstructure change on the level of the colloid particle aggregates. In comparison with IL containing xerogels, the IL containing sonogels show increased pore diameter, bigger pore volumes and diminished surface areas.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
