Mesostructured materials : Synthesis towards applications

Abstract: A new class of materials with well-defined structures on mesoscopic (2-50 nm) length scales has attracted considerable interest during the last decade. These mesostructured mataterials are formed from the self-assembly of amphiphillic molecules and inorganic precursors. The aim of this thesis has been to develop preparation methods that are scalable, and at the same time allow for efficient structural control coupled with possibility to incorporate different functionalities.Two different industrial processes for production of particles with spherical morphology were successfully tailored for synthesis of well-ordered mesostructured particles. An existing spray drying method for a fast and continuous production was further developed, and for the first time, an emulsion-based method was implemented. The latter method resulted in superior control of both particle size and internal mesostructure.Mesostructured photochromic pigments were synthesised by incorporating photochromic dyes in the organic domains of the surfactant templated inorganic/organic mesostructured silica particles. The pigments were produced using a one-pot synthesis method employing an aerosol reactor, allowing control over both the internal mesostructure and the dye content. We show that transparent photochromic films can be prepared using latex binders and conventional coating technology.Mesoporous magnetic carrier materials were prepared by adding iron oxide nanoparticles during either the emulsion- or aerosol processing. The surfactant templated silica matrix displayed well-ordered internal pore architecture with limited pore blocking caused by the incorporated iron oxide nanoparticles. The iron oxide content was precisely controlled, and the magnetic properties were preserved during the processing. Finally we demonstrate that these materials can be used to magnetically separate water-soluble dyes from solution.