(Effect of different silica sources on textural parameters of molecular sieve MCM-41)

Abstract

In recent decades, research has been developed to achieve efficient and economically viable materials for application in various industry sectors. The mesoporous materials of MCM-41 family are among the effective candidates due to the facility of synthesis and structure that favors a range of applications. The aim of this study was to present a critical analysis of the characteristics and properties of mesoporous materials MCM-41 type, focusing on the structural aspects. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of using commercial and alternative silica have been discussed. The commercial silica sources were TEOS and silica gel; the alternative silica sources were rice husk ash, quartz and glass powder. The analyzed materials were synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized by XRD, FTIR, BET and TG. The results demonstrate the efficiency of alternative sources of silica in the synthesis of MCM-41, since the materials presented textural properties within the required standards. Therefore, they are able to be tested in the industry to replace the MCM-41 synthesized with commercial silica source.

Keywords:
molecular sieve; hydrothermal synthesis; MCM-41; quartz; glass powder; rice husk ash