Template-Free Preparation and Characterization of Mesoporous Silica from Kaolinite ore

In this study, mesoporous silica was prepared from thermal activated kaolinite ore via a template-free pre-alkali acid leaching technique. The acid leached product was characterized by x-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry and Nitrogen gas adsorption. The results showed the porous silica was amorphous with sponge-like mesophase structure with agglomerates of parallel plate-shaped particles. The EDS revealed it was composed of silicon, aluminum and oxygen only with a specific surface area of 303.04 m2/g and pore volume of 0.39 cm3/g after 2 h of acid treatment. The product has potential applications as an adsorbent and catalyst support.