Synthesis and properties of COK‐12 large‐pore mesocellular silica foam

Abstract Large, ink‐bottle‐shaped pores in mesocellular foams (MCFs) are desired for various applications requiring enhanced mass transfer or the immobilization of larger compounds. Hence, cylindrical COK‐12, an ordered mesoporous silica structurally comparable to SBA‐15 but synthesized at room‐temperature quasi‐neutral pH, chemically swollen into ink‐bottle pores. Therefore, p ‐xylene is used as a more sustainable swelling agent compared popular alternatives. Its high boiling point allows additional thermal aging step amplify mesostructure enlargement without needing chemicals. For MCFs obtained room temperature reach unprecedented plateau modal mesopore cell and window diameter 19.9 5.5 nm, respectively, with underlying broad pore size distribution distorted hexagonal lattice up 14.5 involving spherical structures. The combined chemical resulted selective than 200% slightly increased diameter, distribution, distortion comparison synthesis. Such materials thought be promising alternatives SBA‐15‐based MCFs, often utilizing toxic catalysts during presented results pave way adsorptive, catalytic, drug delivery performances COK‐12‐based materials.