Lithium-metal potential in Li<Superscript>+</Superscript> containing ionic liquids

Impedance spectroscopy studies of the interface between lithium and ionic liquid (IL) showed the formation of a film (solid electrolyte interface, SEI), protecting metal from its further dissolution. Consequently, the potential of metallic lithium immersed in an electrolyte containing Li⁺ cations may be described as a Li|SEI|Li⁺ system, rather than simply Li/Li⁺. The potential of lithium-metal in a series of ionic liquids (and in a number of molecular liquids) containing Li⁺ cation (0.1 M) was measured versus the Ag|(Ag⁺ 0.01 M, cryptand 222 0.1 M, in acetonitrile) reference. The lithium-metal potential (E(Li|SEI|Li⁺)) was ca. −2.633 ± 0.017 V in ILs based on the [N(CF₃SO₂)₂ ^– ] anion, while −2.848 ± 0.043 V in ILs containing [BF₄ ^– ] anion (the difference is ca. 200 mV). In the case of ILs based on the triflate anion ([CF₃SO₃ ^– ]), the cation of ionic liquid also influences the E(Li|SEI|Li⁺) value: it was ca. −1.987 ± 0.075 V for imidazolium based cations and much lower (−2.855 V) for the pyrrolidinium based cation. In ionic liquid based on the imidazolium cation and hexafluorophosphate anion ([PF₆ ^– ]), the Li/SEI/Li⁺ potential was −2.245 V. The Li|SEI|Li⁺ potential measured in cyclic carbonates was −2.780 ± 0.069 V while in dimethylsulfoxide showed the lowest value of ca. −3.285 V. The measured potentials were also expressed versus the formal potential of the ferrocene/ferrocinium redox couple, obtained from cyclic voltammetry.     

Effect of additives in PEO/PAA/PMAA composite solid polymer electrolytes on the ionic conductivity and Li ion battery performance

Polyethylene oxide (PEO) based-solid polymer electrolytes were prepared with low weight polymers bearing carboxylic acid groups added onto the polymer backbone, and the variation of the conductivity and performance of the resulting Li ion battery system was examined. The composite solid polymer electrolytes (CSPEs) were composed of PEO, LiClO_4, PAA (polyacrylic acid), PMAA (polymethacrylic acid), and Al₂O₃. The addition of additives to the PEO matrix enhanced the ionic conductivities of the electrolyte. The composite electrolyte composed of PEO:LiClO₄:PAA/PMAA/Li_0.3 exhibited a low polarization resistance of 881.5 ohms in its impedance spectra, while the PEO:LiClO₄ film showed a high value of 4,592 ohms. The highest ionic conductivity of 9.87 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ was attained for the electrolyte composed of PEO:LiClO₄:PAA/PMAA/Li_0.3 at 20 °C. The cyclic voltammogram of Li⁺ recorded for the cell consisting of the PEO:LiClO₄:PAA/PMAA/Li_0.3:Al₂O₃ composite electrolyte exhibited the same diffusion process as that obtained with an ultra-microelectrode. Based on this electrolyte, the applicability of the solid polymer electrolytes to lithium batteries was examined for an Li/SPE/LiNi_0.5Co_0.5O₂ cell.     

LiFePO4 cathode in N-methyl-N-propylpiperidinium and N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide

Ternary [Li⁺][MePrPip⁺][NTf₂⁻] and [Li⁺][MePrPyrr⁺][NTf₂⁻] room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) were obtained by dissolution of solid lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiNTf₂) in liquid N-methyl-N-propylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, respectively, and studied as electrolytes for the use in Li/LiFePO₄ or C(Li)/LiFePO₄ batteries. The cell worked properly in the presence of 10 wt% of vinylene carbonate (VC). Impedance-spectroscopy studies showed that the additive (VC) forms a protective coating on the anode. The LiFePO₄ cathode shows good efficiency (135 mAh g⁻¹) working together with [Li⁺][MePrPip⁺][NTf₂⁻] + VC and [Li⁺][MePrPyrr⁺][NTf₂⁻] + VC ionic liquid electrolytes. The flash point of ionic liquid electrolytes containing 10 wt% of VC is above 300 °C, which makes them practically non-flammable.     

Structures,Stabilities and Electronic Properties of Endo- and Exohedral Dodecahedral Silsesquioxane (T<Subscript>12</Subscript>-POSS) Nanosized Complexes with Atomic and Ionic Species

The structures of endohedral complexes of the polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) cage molecule (HSiO_3/2)₁₂, with both D _2d and D _6h starting cage symmetries, containing the atomic or ionic species: Li⁰, Li⁺, Li⁻, Na⁰, Na⁺, Na⁻, K⁰, K⁺, K⁻, F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, He, Ne, Ar were optimized by density functional theory using B3LYP and the 6-311G(d,p) and 6-311 ++G(2d,2p) basis sets. The exohedral Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, K⁻, F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, He, Ne, Ar complexes, were also optimized. The properties of these complexes depend on the nature of the species encapsulated in, or bound to, the (HSiO_3/2)₁₂ cage. Noble gas (He, Ne and Ar) encapsulation in (HSiO_3/2)₁₂ has almost no effect on the cage geometry. Alkali metal cation encapsulation, in contrast, exhibits attractive interactions with cage oxygen atoms, leading to cage shrinkage. Halide ion encapsulation expands the cage. The endohedral X@(HSiO_3/2)₁₂ (X = Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, He and Ne) complexes form exothermically from the isolated species. The very low ionization potentials of endohedral Li⁰, Na⁰, K⁰ complexes suggest that they behave like “superalkalis”. Several endohedral complexes with small guests appear to be viable synthetic targets. The D _2d symmetry of the empty cage was the minimum energy structure in accord with experiment. An exohedral fluoride penetrates the D _6h cage to form the endohedral complex without a barrier.     

Ionic Conductivity of Cross-linked Polymethacrylate Derivatives/Cyclophosphazenes/Li<Superscript>+</Superscript> Salt Complexes

The role of cyclophosphazenes with oxyethylene chains (N₃P₃(OCH₂CH₂)_nOCH₃, (n = 3, 3, n = 7.2, 4) and N₄P₄[OC₆H₄O(CH₂CH₂O)_7.2CH₃]₈ (8) for the synthesis and ionic conductivity in polymethacrylate networks was studied. Reflecting the structural features of cyclophosphazenes, the ⁷Li NMR spectra of the mixture of 3 and LiN(SO₂CF₃)₂ showed that more than 40% of the Li⁺ salt could exist as a free ion at room temperature. Similar values were obtained for 4 and 8. Cross-linked methacrylate polymers (12–14, and 16–18) were prepared from the reaction of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate both in the presence of these cyclophosphazenes which act as molecular imprinting molecules (method II, M-II) and without the cyclophosphazene (method I) DSC studies of the imprinted polymer, 12(20)/3/Li⁺ system after removal of the cyclophosphazene showed that the glass transition temperature range (ΔT_g) becomes significantly narrower compared to that of the unimprinted 11(20)/3/Li⁺ system, where cross-linked polymer 11(20) was prepared in the absence of the cyclophosphazenes (method I, M-I). The ionic conductivity of the Li⁺/cross-linked polymer system was improved by the subsequent readdition of the cyclophosphazenes. The 12(20)/3/Li⁺ complex showed a conductivity of 1.1 × 10⁻³ S/cm at 90 °C, which was two times higher than that of the 11(20)/3/Li⁺ complex. The effectiveness of the small molecule imprinting technique for the preparation of cross-linked polyelectrolytes with high conductivity and mechanical stability is discussed. We dedicate this paper to Professor Christopher W. Allen for his creative, pioneering work in inorganic ring and inorganic-organic hybrid polymers.     

Gemini surfactant controlled preparation of well-ordered lamellar mesoporous molybdenum oxide

A series of well-ordered lamellar mesoporous molybdenum oxides were prepared using gemini surfactant [C _n H_2n+1N⁺(CH₃)₂–(CH₂)₂–N⁺(CH₃)₂C _n H_2n+1] · 2Br⁻(denoted as C _n-2-n , n = 12, 14 and 16) as the structure-directing agent and ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate (NH₄)₆Mo₇O₂₄ · 4H₂O as the precursor. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis, transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption–desorption. Results showed that contrary to complete structure collapse after removing tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) from molybdenum oxide/TTAB composite, the lamellar mesostructure was retained after removal of C _n-2-n from corresponding composite. The effects of alkyl chain length and concentration of gemini surfactants on the structure of the mesoporous molybdenum oxide were also investigated. The specific surface area of extracted sample was as high as 116 m² g⁻¹. The maintenance of the lamellar mesostruture was due to the strong self-assembly ability of gemini surfactants and the strong electrical interaction between gemini surfactants and molybdenum oxide.     

New type of lithium poly(polyfluoroalkoxy)sulfonylimides as salts for PEO‐based solvent‐free electrolytes

A new type of lithium salts, —SO₂NLiSO₂OCH₂(CF₂)_nCH₂O_m— (LiPPFASI, where n = 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7), was used as salts in poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐based solvent‐free electrolytes. The conductivity and electrochemical stability behaviors were studied. The results showed the electrolytes almost have a similar conductivity and the PEO–LiPPFASI (n = 3, EO/Li = 10) was the relatively better system under the experiment conditions. Moreover, most systems were found to be oxidatively stable up to 5.5 V versus Li/Li⁺ and the lithium deposition‐stripping process on the electrode was reversible for all the polymer electrolytes. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 1882–1885, 2001     

Electrical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based on LiFePO<Subscript>4</Subscript> complex polymer electrolyte films

Li ion conducting polymer electrolyte films were prepared based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 wt% lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) salt using a solution-casting technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the complexation of the polymer with LiFePO₄ salt. Differential scanning (DSC) calorimetry was used to determine the melting temperatures of the pure PVA and complexed films. The maximum ionic conductivity was found to be 1.18 × 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹ for (PVA:LiFePO₄) (75:25) film, which increased to 3.12 × 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹ upon the addition of propylene carbonate (PC) plasticizer at ambient temperature. The Li⁺ ion transport number was found to be 0.40 for (PVA: LiFePO₄) (75:25) film using AC impedance and DC polarization methods. Dielectric studies were performed for these polymer electrolyte films in the frequency range of 10 Hz to 10 MHz at different temperatures. The activation energies of the complexed films were calculated from the dielectric loss tangent spectra and were found to be 0.35, 0.30, 0.27 and 0.28 eV. The cyclic voltammogram (CV) curves of (PVA: LiFePO₄) (75:25)+PC film exhibited higher specific capacities than those for other films.     

Ionic liquid electrolytes based on multi-methoxyethyl substituted ammoniums and perfluorinated sulfonimides: Preparation, characterization, and properties

New functionalized ionic liquids (ILs), comprised of multi-methoxyethyl substituted quaternary ammonium cations (i.e. [N(CH₂CH₂OCH₃)_4−n(R)_n]⁺; n = 1, R = CH₃OCH₂CH₂; n = 1, R = CH₃, CH₂CH₃; n = 2, R = CH₃CH₂), and two representative perfluorinated sulfonimide anions (i.e. bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI⁻) and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI⁻)), were prepared. Their fundamental properties, including phase transition, thermal stability, viscosity, density, specific conductivity and electrochemical window, were extensively characterized. These multi-ether functionalized ionic liquids exhibit good capability of dissolving lithium salts. Their binary electrolytes containing high concentration of the corresponding lithium salt ([Li⁺] >1.6 mol kg⁻¹) show Li⁺ ion transference number (tLi⁺) as high as 0.6-0.7. Their electrochemical stability allows Li deposition/stripping realized at room temperature. The desired properties of these multi-ether functionalized ionic liquids make them potential electrolytes for Li (or Li-ion) batteries.     

Poly(oligo-oxyethylene methacrylate-co-alkali metal acrylamidocaproate) as a single ion conductor

Summary The new single ion conductors, poly(oligo-oxyethylene methacrylate-co-alkali metal acrylamidocaproic acid) ((CH₂CCH₃COO(CH₂CH₂O)₉H)_x–(CH₂CHCONH(CH₂)₅ COO-M⁺)_1-x), M⁺=Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, were synthesized and the effects of the cation and the temperature on ionic conductivity were investigated. The alkyl spacer in the alkali metal acrylamidocaproate was introduced to increase the flexibility of the side chain for the complex formation between the ionic groups and the oxygens in PEO unit. The room temperature(30°C) conductivity of the K single ion conductor was found to be 5x10^-7 S/cm which is the highest value reported for the single ion conductors having carboxylate groups without any additives. The pseudo-activation energy in the VTF equation was not dependent on the type of the cation, which indicates that the ion hopping rate is higher than the string renewal rate in these single ion conductors.     

Electrochemical properties of amorphous Li<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5−<Emphasis Type="Italic">y</Emphasis></Subscript> thin film deposited by r.f.-sputtering

The electrochemical properties of amorphous vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) thin films deposited by reactive r.f.-sputtering were investigated using galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT). As x in Li _x V₂O_5−y increased (x = 0–2.0), the electromotive force of the lithium (Li)∣1 M LiClO₄–propylene carbonate∣Li _x V₂O_5−y cell decreased gradually without a potential plateau or an abrupt potential reduction, demonstrating that an irreversible structural change did not occur in the entire Li content. Chemical diffusivity of the Li ion in the Li _x V₂O_5−y thin film measured using GITT was determined to be 4 × 10⁻¹³–7 × 10⁻¹⁴ cm² s⁻¹ in the Li content range investigated.     

Fast atom bombardment and tandem mass spectrometry of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine

Fast atom bombardment (FAB) desorption of phosphatidylserine and various phosphatidylcholines produces a limited number of very informative negative ions. Especially significant is the formation of (M-H)⁻ ions for phosphatidylserine, a compound which does not yield informative high mass ions by other ionization methods. Phosphatidylcholines of not yield (M-H)⁻ ions but instead produce three characteristic high mass ions, (M-CH ₃ ⁺ _⁻, [M-HN(CH₃) ₃ ⁺ ]⁻ and [M-HN(CH_{3 3} ⁺ -C₂H₂]⁻. Both classes of lipids also yield anions attributed to the carboxylate components of these complex lipids. FAB desorption in combination with collisional activation allows for characterization of fragmentation and determination of structural features. Collisional activation of the carboxylate anion fragments from the complex lipids is especially informative. Structural characterization of the fatty acid chain can be achieved as the released saturated carboxylate anions undergo a highly specific 1,4-elimination of H₂, which results in the losses of the elements of CH₄, C₂H₆, C₃H₈...in a fashion entirely consistent with the chemistry of carboxylate anions desorbed from free fatty acids. These C_nH_2n+2 losses begin at the alkyl terminus and progress along the entire alkyl chain. Modified fatty acids undergo a similar fragmentation; however, the modification affects the series of C_nH_2n+2 losses in a manner which permits determining the type of modification and its location on the fatty acid chain.     

Entrapment of nanostructured palladium clusters in hydrophobic sol–gel materials

The fluoride-catalysed hydrolysis of mixtures of CH₃Si(OCH₃)₃ and Mg(OC₂H₅)₂ in the presence of preformed nanosized R₄N⁺Br⁻-stabilised Pd colloids results in the formation of micro/mesoporous hydrophobic sol–gel materials in which the Pd clusters are entrapped individually in the solid matrix. The materials are active catalysts in the hydrogenation of 1,5-cyclooctadiene. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Competition between Li+ and Mg2+ for red blood cell membrane phospholipids: A 31P, 7Li, and 6Li nuclear magnetic resonance study

The mode of action of the lithium ion (Li⁺) in the treatment of manic depression or bipolar illness is still under investigation, although this inorganic drug has been in clinical use for 50 yr. Several research reports have provided evidence for Li⁺/Mg²⁺ competition in biomolecules. We carried out this study to characterize the interactions of Li⁺ and Mg²⁺ with red blood cell (RBC) membrane components to see whether Li⁺/Mg²⁺ competition occurs. ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift measurements of the phospholipids extracted from the RBC membranes indicated that the anionic phospholipids, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol, bind Li⁺ and Mg²⁺ most strongly. From ⁶Li relaxation measurements, the Li⁺ binding constant to the phospholipid extract was found to be 45±5M⁻¹. Thus, these studies showed that the phospholipids play a major role in metal ion binding. ⁷Li spin-lattice relaxation measurements conducted on unsealed and cytoskeleton-depleted RBC membrane in the presence of magnesium indicated that the removal of the cytoskeleton increases lithium binding to the more exposed anionic phospholipids (357±24 M⁻¹) when compared to lithium binding in the unsealed RBC membrane (221±21 M⁻¹). Therefore, it can be seen that the cytoskeleton does not play a major role in Li⁺ binding or in Li⁺/Mg²⁺ competition.     

Exploring the effect of alkyl end group on poly(L-lactide) oligo-esters. Synthesis and characterization

Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) oligo-esters with α-hydroxyl-ω-alkyl (alkyl = −CH₂−[CH₂−CH₂]_m−CH₃, where m = 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) end groups were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide (L-LA) catalyzed by tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate Sn(Oct)₂ in the presence of aliphatic alcohols as initiators (HO−CH₂−[CH₂−CH₂]_m−CH₃, where m = 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10). High yields (~ 62 to 71%) and M _n(NMR) in the range of 2120–2450 Da (PLLA) were obtained. Effects of alkyl end groups on thermal properties of the oligo-esters were analyzed by DSC, TGA and SAXS. Glass transition temperature (T _g) gradually decreases with increase in the percent of−CH₂−[CH₂−CH₂]_m−CH₃ end group, as results alkyl end group provides most flexibility to PLLA. An important effect of alkyl end group on a double cold crystallization (T _c1 and T _c2) was observed, and is directly related with the segregation phase between alkyl end group and PLLA. TGA analysis revealed that PLLA oligo-esters are more thermally stable with docosyl (−C₂₂H₄₅) respect to the butyl (−C₄H₉) end group, probably is due to steric hindrance of the end group (docosyl respect to butyl) toward intermolecular and intramolecular transesterification. SAXS analysis showed that alkyl end group as docosyl restricted the growth of lamellae thickness (D) due to steric hindrance. Characterization of hydroxyl and alkyl end groups in the PLLA oligo-esters was determined by MALDI-TOF, GPC, FT-IR and ¹ H and ¹³ C NMR.     

Surface and aqueous properties of anionic gemini surfactants having dialkyl amide,carboxyl, and carboxylate groups

A systematic study of the equilibrium surface properties (in water and in the presence of 10⁻² M NaCl) of a novel series of anionic gemini surfactants, (CH₂)₂[N(COC_nH_2n+1)CH(COOH)CH₂COOH]·2NaOH (GA), where (n+1)=8, 10, 12, 14, and 16, was investigated. The responses of humans to closed patch tests with (CH₂)₂[N(COC₁₁H₂₃)CH(COOH)−CH₂COOH]₂·2NaOH (GA-12) were also investigated. Premicellar self-aggregation (both in water and 10⁻² M NaCl) occurred when the N-acyl group contained more than 14 carbon atoms, since the critical micelle concentration (CMC) values decreased and the pC₂₀ values increased as (n+1) increased for (n+1) ≤14; the CMC values increased and the pC ₂₀ values decreased as (n+1) increased for (n+1)>14, both in water and in 10⁻² M NaCl. The absence of a break in the specific conductance-surfactant molar concentration plots for the GA homologs indicates protonation of the carboxylate group and strong Na⁺ release during micellization. This is a structural characteristic of the anionic geminis having N-dialkylamide and carboxylate groups in a molecule. The skin irritation potential of GA-12 is lower than that of the corresponding “monomer”, C₁₁H₂₃CON(CH₃)CH(COOH)CH₂(COOH)·NaOH, and the analog, C₁₁H₂₃CON(CH₃)CH₂COONa·H₂O.     

Ferrocene-Based Cationic Surfactants: Surface and Antimicrobial Properties

A novel series of ferrocenyl surfactants was synthesized by the reaction of ferrocene disulfonic acid with different primary and tertiary fatty amines to produce the corresponding ammonium salts Fc[SO₃ ^{− +}NH₃(CH₂) _n CH₃]₂, where n = 9, 11, or 15 and Fc[SO₃^{− +}NH(CH₃)₂(CH₂) _n CH₃]₂, where n = 7 or 11, respectively, and where Fc = ferrocene. Chemical structures were confirmed by microelemental analysis, FTIR, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The critical micelle concentration of each prepared surfactant was determined using equilibrium surface tension. Furthermore, air/water interface parameters including effectiveness (π _CMC), efficiency (Pc₂₀), maximum surface excess (Г_max), and minimum surface area (A _min) were determined at 30, 40, and 50 °C. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔS°, and ΔH°) for both micellization and adsorption processes were recorded. The new synthesized surfactants were screened as antimicrobial agents against different bacterial and fungal organisms.     

An amorphous Si thin film anode with high capacity and long cycling life for lithium ion batteries

A Si thin film of thickness 275 nm was deposited on rough Cu foil by magnetron sputtering for use as lithium ion battery anode material. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and TEM analysis revealed that the Si thin film was completely of amorphous structure. The electrochemical performance of the Si thin film was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and constant current charge/discharge test. The film exhibited a high capacity of 3,134 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.025 C rate. The capacity retention was 61.3% at 0.5 C rate for 500 cycles. An island structure formed on the Cu foil substrate after cycling adhered to the substrate firmly and provided electrical connection. This is the possible reason for the long cycling life of Si thin film anode. Moreover, the cycling performance was further improved by annealing at 300 °C. The Li⁺ diffusion coefficients (D ₀) of Si thin film, measured by cyclic voltammetry, are 1.47 × 10⁻⁹ cm² s⁻¹ and 2.16 × 10⁻⁹ cm² s⁻¹ for different reduced peaks.     

Extraction relationship of Li+ and H+ using tributyl phosphate in the presence of Fe(III)

ABSTRACT

During the extraction of lithium from high Mg-containing salt lake brines by tributyl phosphate (TBP) in the presence of Fe(III), H⁺ is used to stabilize Fe(III). However, the distribution ratio of H⁺ (D_H) is 4–6 times higher than that of Li⁺ (D_Li), which affects the extraction of Li⁺ significantly. In this study, the competition mechanism between H⁺ and Li⁺ was investigated by spectral analysis and thermodynamic equilibrium. The extracted species are determined as HFeCl₄ · 2TBP and LiFeCl₄ · 2TBP for H⁺ and Li⁺, respectively. The apparent equilibrium constants are K_H = 799.8 and K_Li = 120.6, respectively. Both equilibrium constants and the distribution ratios for H⁺ and Li⁺ extraction show that extraction of H⁺ is stronger than Li⁺.     

Synthesis of highly ordered supermicroporous silica using short-chain cationic trimeric surfactant as structure-directing agent

Highly ordered supermicroporous silica was synthesized by short chains cationic trimeric surfactant [C₁₀H₂₁N⁺(CH₃)₂(CH₂)₂N⁺(CH₃)(C₁₀H₂₁) (CH₂)₂N⁺(CH₃)₂C₁₀H₂₁] · 3Br⁻ (denoted C_10-2-10-2-10) with a short spacer group (s = 2) as the structure-directing agent and tetraethyl orthosilicate as the precursor. The obtained samples were characterized by small-angle X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and N₂ adsorption–desorption. The results showed that the pore structure of the resulting samples belonged to the two-dimensional hexagonal structure (space group 2D-p6mm) with a pore size from 1.92 to 2.16 nm, which was within the supermicroporous range. The high-quality supermicroporous silica was formed at a low molar ratio of C_10-2-10-2-10 to tetraethyl orthosilicate (0.08:1), which indicated that the self-assembly ability of C_10-2-10-2-10 was stronger than that of corresponding monovalent surfactants. We strictly compared the methods of calculating surface area and pore size of supermicroporous materials, and the surface area was found to be in the range of 910–1,135 m² g⁻¹ by the α_s plot method. With the increase of hydrothermal temperature, the ordering of the supermicroporous structure increased first then decreased, at the same time the pore size was enlarged.