Mesoporous silica fibers: Synthesis, internal structure, and growth kinetics

The influence of the silica source on the morphology and the internal archi tecture of mesoporous fibers was investigated. It was found in all cases st udied that the hexagonally packed pores are oriented in a circular manner a round the fiber axis. However, the kinetics of fiber formation and the prod uct distribution vary, being strongly dependent on the silica source and th e amount of an additional oil. Electron microscopy and XRD investigations w ere carried out to elucidate the morphological and structural features of t he mesoporous silica materials. The properties of the materials on the nano meter and micrometer scale are shown to depend on the silica precursor hydr olysis rate and micelle swelling effects. The experiments also revealed tha t gravity plays no essential role in the growth of the fibers.