Poly(ethylene glycol) as structure directing agent in sol–gel synthesis of amorphous silica.

Highlights: [•] Simple nonionic polymer (PEG) is able to control the pore size of amorphous silica. [•] PEG with low molecular weight leads to the mesoporous silica. [•] PEG with molecular weight 3000 and more is able to form meso- and microporous silica. [•] Texture of the produced silica is strongly correlated with polymer solution rheology. [•] We propose a rapid and simple synthesis of microporous silica. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]