2.2.1. Preparation of SBA-15
The mesoporous SBA-15 silica with tuned geometrical structure was
prepared using the method described elsewhere (Zhao, 1998). Pluronic
P123 (8 g) was dissolved in 60 ml demineralized water and 2 M HCl (240
g) solution under vigorous stirring at 50 ᵒC for 16 h. After the mixture
became clear, in a closed vessel, TEOS (17 g) was added dropwise into
the solution with continuous stirring at 50 ᵒC for 20 h and then aged at
100 ᵒC for 24 h. The formed solid product was separated by
centrifugation, washed repeatedly with de-ionized water and dried at
ambient temperature. Controlled removal of the template was managed
through the calcination at 550oC for 6h with
temperature ramping of 1oC min-1.