Entropy‐Driven Helical Mesostructure Formation with Achiral Cationic Surfactant Templates

Abstract

Helical mesoporous silica is synthesized using achiral cationic surfactants as template in a highly concentrated ammonia solution. The particle morphology and the helical pitch of this material could be systematically controlled by simply varying the ammonia concentration (see figure). The helical mesoporous silica was characterized by transmission electron microscopy tomography for the first time. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2089/2007/c2703_s.html or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.