Recent advances in nano- and macroscale control of hexagonal, mesoporous materials

Nano- and macroscale control of siliceous MCM-41 type, hexagonal, mesoporous materials are discussed with reference to proposed mechanisms of formation and morphological manipulation. The complex inter-play of surfactant silicate chemistry in the numerous synthetic strategies of MCM-41 type materials reported to date are examined. Recent advances in the growth of thin film mesoporous silicates from solid-liquid, air-liquid and liquid-liquid interfaces are reviewed. Extension into three-dimensional silicate structures is made possible through detailed control of shear flow conditions and reaction composition.