Radial patterns in mesoporous silica

Communication: The morphogenesis of mesoporous silica shapes is thought to be initiated by topological defects in a hexagonal silica liquid crystal (L C). The authors show that application of the classical theory of elasticity for LCs to a hexagonal silicate mesophase containing a 2 pi: line disclina tion defect leads to the emergence of radial patterns (see Figure) that bea r a striking resemblance to those observed experimentally.