Hierarchically ordered silica mesophases using mixed surfactant systems as templates

Abstract

Unusual lamellar mesostructures of metal oxides are obtained with silicone surfactants as templates. The authors present evidence for the unrestricted chain configuration of silicone surfactants being responsible for the formation of lamellae. The addition of a copolymer can create a hexagonal mesophase in the layered walls, thus leading to a hierarchically ordered mesophase (see TEM image).