Using natural oils as swelling agents in mesostructured systems

Abstract

Mesoporous materials are obtained from the presence of supramolecular assemblies of surfactants, which guide the formation of the inorganic mesostructure from solubilized inorganic precursors in the solution. Structured mesoporous materials are excellent matrix for the incorporation of metals, lanthanide ions, dyes and catalysts, due to their structure and controlled pore size, high surface area and mechanical, thermal and chemical stability. The objectives of this project include the preparation and characterization of ordered mesoporous systems with an expanded pore by the use of natural oils. These mesoporous matrices will be obtained from the "template" synthesis by the sol-gel process.