In situ surfactant removal from MCM-type mesostructures by ozone treatment

Abstract

Surfactant removal from MCM-41 mesostructures using ozone produced by an ozone generator is reported. Traces of water are needed to start the degradation of the mesostructure. Ozone treatment of the mesostructure powder, containing traces of water, results in a highly exothermic reaction that cannot be controlled. Suspending the mesostructure in water and treating it with ozone results in mesoporous MCM-41 after 14 h. In addition, in situ ozone treatment of the as-prepared MCM-41 mesostructure in its mother liquor also results in mesoporous MCM-41. Ozone-treated samples have larger pores than traditionally calcined samples.