Investigating the Correlation of Morphology with the N2 Physisorption Behavior of Al-Incorporated bcl Silica

We report the synthesis of Al-incorporated bicontinuous concentric lamellar (bcl) silica particles with mesoporous-scale pores, high pore volume, and high surface area through the reflux method at atmospheric pressure. This study demonstrates that bcl morphology can be achieved by carefully tuning reaction parameters such as reflux time, temperature, and surfactant type. The aluminum (Al) precursor concentration significantly influences the formation of Al-incorporated bcl silica, while the NaOH concentration has no significant impact. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show that synthesis at 130 °C for 20 h using the CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) surfactant and 1 mol sodium aluminate produced a spherical silica bcl-like morphology surrounded by lamellae. These SEM images are supported by the N2 physisorption isotherm pattern, which follows type IVa with an H3 hysteresis loop, indicating slit-like particle aggregates. Exceeding 3 mol of aluminum prevents bcl morphology formation, with the hysteresis pattern shifting to type H2, indicative of pore blocking. This study provides a reference for the development of Al-incorporated bcl silica into zeolite with bcl morphology.