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Characteristics of mesoporous silica (SiO₂):

- The matrix is made of amorphous silica

- Pores of 2 – 50 nm with narrow size distribution

- Pores are ordered (e.g., hexagonal)

- Specific surface area ~ 1000 m²/g

- Pore volume ~ 1 cm³/g

- Synthesis utilizes a template, which may be later removed

There are many types of pore ordering and many synthetic approaches.

No systematic, widely-accepted classification exists.


The most common types of mesoporous silica (custom names):

MCM-41

SBA-15