A review: Mesoporous Santa Barbara amorphous-15, types, synthesis and its applications towards biorefinery production

Abstract

Problem statement: Santa Barbara Amorphous (SBA-15) is significant mesoporous silica with exclusive and important properties of highly ordered mesopores, hydrothermally stable and thick wall, profusely large surface area and huge pore volume which render it as promising catalyst for wide applications. However, the purely siliceous SBA-15 which lacks of acidity characteristic hinders its ideal capabilities as catalyst. Moreover, functionalization and modification of SBA-15 could enhance and optimize its catalytic activity. Conclusion/Recommendations: Thus, in this review, the various types and different synthesis of modifying SBA-15 are discussed in detail towards its application in biorefinery production. The catalytic activities in various operating conditions and reactions are also reviewed for future reference and scope of studies. © 2010 Science Publications.