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.