Flash induction calcination: A powerful tool for total template removal and fine tuning of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance in SBA-15 type silica mesoporous materials

A new rapid calcination method has been used to completely remove the organic template from SBA-15 ordered mesoporous silica, and to preserve a high number of silanol in these materials. This calcination method provided by an induction furnace was found to considerably reduce the calcination time and therefore the energy consumption associated. Moreover, adjustment of both calcination temperature and duration allowed tuning the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance of the mesoporous SBA-15 silica materials. For comparison, short and long time conventional muffle furnace calcination was performed. The induction calcination was also successfully applied to different type of mesoporous silica materials such as SBA-16 and MCM-41.