Direct synthesis and characterization of phenyl-functionalized SBA-15

Phenyl-functionalized SBA-15 materials (Ph-SBA-15) were directly synthesized by using tri-block copolymer Pluronic P123 as templating agent under acidic conditions. The samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and N2 adsorption–desorption. The results show that the phenyl groups are covalently attached to the pore wall of SBA-15 after modification. The functionalized materials still preserve a desirable two-dimensional P6mm hexagonal structure and have large specific surface area and pore volume although the molar ratio of phenyltrimethoxysilane in total silica precursors is as high as 23.0%.