Hollow MCM-41 microspheres derived from P(St-MMA)/MCM-41 core/shell composite particles

In soap-free latex media, poly(styrene-methyl methacrylate)/MCM-41 core/shell composite microspheres have been fabricated by adding silicate source in batches. In this process, silicate species and the surfactant micelles were self-assembled into 2-dimensional hexagonal arrangement on the surface of P(St-MMA) microspheres. Hollow MCM-41 microspheres were obtained via removing polymer core by solvent. XRD, TEM, IR and N₂ adsorption-desorption analysis were applied to characterize products. The results showed that average diameter and wall thickness of hollow MCM-41 microspheres is about 240 nm and 20 nm, respectively. Results of N₂ adsorption-desorption indicate that hollow MCM-41 microspheres possess a highly ordered mesoporous structure and a narrow pore distribution with a mean value of 2.34 nm.