A simple synthesis of single crystal like mesoporous SBA-16 silica with decaoctahedron shape and rhomb-dodecahedron shape has been accomplished by finely tuning of overall composition of the synthesis mixture (F127-TEOS-H2O-HCl), under static condition at 26-34 degrees C in 3-72 h. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.