Formation of monolithic silica gel microhoneycombs (SMHs) using pseudosteady state growth of microstructural ice crystals

Abstract

Monolithic silica gel microhoneycombs, which have an array of straight macropores within their structure and developed micro/mesopores inside their walls, were prepared using pseudosteady state growth of ice crystals which occurs during the unidirectional freeze–gelation of freshly gelled aqueous silica hydrogels, followed by a pore-protecting drying method, freeze drying.