Pore Characteristics and Hydrothermal Stability of Mesoporous Silica: Role of Oleic Acid
Silicate mesoporous materials were synthesized with nonionic surfactant and their surfaces were modified by oleic acid adsorption. Infrared spectrometer, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analyses were used to investigate the structure of oleic acid modified mesoporous material. The effects of heat treatment at various temperatures on oleic acid modified materials were also studied. Oleic acids on silica surfaces were found to be bonded chemically and/or physically and be capable of enduring up to180°C. The adsorbed oleic acid improved the hydrothermal stability of mesoporous silica and assisted mesopore structure to grow more in hydrothermal treatment process by preventing the approach of water.