The synthesis of micrometer- and submicrometer-size spheres of ordered mesoporous oxide MCM-41

Spherical particles of the mesoporous material MCM-41 have been synthesized and are reported for the first time. The results of characterization of the samples by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen sorption at 77 K (which provides information about the pore system) is described. It is shown that all the properties of the spherical MCM-41 particles are essentially the same as those of the MCM-41 materials synthesized by well-established methods. Finally, possibilities for future research are outlined.