An unusual example of morphology controlled periodic mesoporous organosilica single crystals

Abstract

Morphology and size controlled mesoporous single crystals are of special significance in various applications. In this work, ethane-included PMO single crystals with cubic and truncated-cubic morphologies have been prepared by self-assembling the surfactant and organosilica precursor in aqueous solution. The PMO single crystals are highly uniform in external morphologies and the particle sizes can be trimmed down to less than one micrometre. With the cubic pore structure, the relatively small particle sizes, and the easily-functionalized organic groups embedded in the pore walls, the PMO single crystals may find new applications in various fields.