Spherical MSU-1 mesoporous silica particles tuned for HPLC

Among the mesoporous silica micellar templated structures (MTSs), MSU-X sil ica, obtained through an (NI0)-I-0 assembly between non-ionic polyethyleneo xide-based surfactants (N-0) and silica neutral inorganic precursors (I-0), exhibits a regular ordered structure with a 3D wormhole porous framework a nd an easily controlled pore size, These materials have been tested for app lications requiring both a narrow mesopore size distribution and isotropic propel ties. A specific double-step synthesis that we developed recently fo r MSU-X materials has allowed us to prepare mesoporous silica particles wit h the required shape, size, and properties. Both the particles' synthesis a nd comparative HPLC separation tests with a commercial ungrafted silica HPL C powder of identical shape and size are reported.