Highly microporous monodisperse silica spheres synthesized by the Stober process

Silica spheres that are prepared by the Stober process are usually considered non-porous. Here we report on a slightly modified synthesis protocol that allows preparation of microporous Stober particles. Successive treatment with water and alcohol at room temperature results in substantial reorganization of the silica within the Stober particles. Hydrolysis of alkoxy groups as well as condensation and re-esterification of silanol groups upon re-immersion in alcohol are crucial for that process. As the result of the silica reorganization, micropore channels are formed within the particles. After a final washing with water to remove all alkoxy groups from the particles, pure microporous silica spheres are obtained. The total pore volumes of these materials are comparable to those of zeolitic materials. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.