Novel organic-inorganic mesophases: Self-templating synthesis and intratubular swelling

Abstract

Flexible, swellable organosilica tubes are the most remarkable new mesophase generated by co-hydrolysis of tetraalkylammonium- substituted trimethoxysilanes and TEOS. The composites self-organize into lamellar layers of hexagonal tubules, whose elastic walls allow the uptake of anionic or liphophilic species. The hexagonal-tube structure is retained even upon calcination of mesoporous silica.