An approach to mesoporous silica synthesis into α-Al2O3-mullite cavities

MCM-41 mesostructured materials were prepared by confined space synthesis into the cavities of alphaAl2O3-mullite supports by hydrophobing the matrix surfaces prior to be immersed in a precursor solution. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Nitrogen Adsorption techniques. XPS results demonstrated the effectiveness of hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) to modify the surface properties through hydrophobic treatment. SEM images of the starting supports and the final products show well-defined agglomerates of mesostructured materials on the surfaces of mullite-corundum cavities.