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

Surfactant removal from MCM-41 mesostructures using ozone produced by an oz one generator is reported. Traces of water are needed to start the degradat ion of the mesostructure. Ozone treatment of the mesostructure powder, cont aining 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 t reatment 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.