Synthesis and characterization of surface-modified and organic-functionalized MCM-41 type ordered mesoporous materials

A new and efficient method for the preparation of MCM-41 type ordered mesoporous phases using phosphate as promoter under reflux conditions is reported. The various mesoporous materials studied were: silica (Si-MCM-41), alumino-silicate (Al-MCM-41), and titanium-silicate (Ti-MCM-41). Our concept of promoter-assisted synthesis of zeolites and related microporous materials was found to be applicable in the synthesis of ordered mesoporous materials as well. The addition of small catalytic quantity of phosphate ions (PO43-), used as promoters, significantly reduced the synthesis time (by a factor of 3-4) of all these mesoporous materials. The synthesis of new MCM-41 type organic-inorganic composite materials with unique properties is also reported.