Gel-like properties of MCM-41 material and its transformation to MCM-50 in a caustic alkaline surround

• Published in: Materials research bulletin 2012-03, Vol.47 (3), p.732-736
• Main Authors: Saputra, Hens, Othman, Raihan, Sutjipto, A.G.E., Muhida, R., Ani, M.H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A. Inorganic compounds; A. Nanostructures; C. X-ray diffraction; D. Elastic properties; D. Electrochemical properties; GELS; INORGANIC COMPOUNDS; MATERIALS SCIENCE; NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY; NANOSTRUCTURES; POTASSIUM HYDROXIDES; SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY; X-RAY DIFFRACTION
• ISSN: 0025-5408; 1873-4227
• DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2011.12.012

[Display omitted] ► MCM-41 material transforms gradually into MCM-50 lamellar gel upon controlled exposure to 6M KOH. ► The formation of MCM-50 ordered gel structure occurs at KOH weight content of 40–70wt. %. ► MCM gel phase shows pseudoplastic behavior and possesses homogeneous matrix texture. MCM-41 material, prepared by sol–gel method, reveals gel-like properties in a caustic alkaline environment, i.e., 6M potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte. The gellation of MCM-41 starts at a KOH weight ratio of 40wt.%. The structural change of the material is verified with X-Ray diffractograms and supported by observation using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). As the KOH weight ratio increases, the MCM-41 hexagonal arrays structure gradually transforms into MCM-50 lamellar structure before disappearing completely at 80wt.% KOH. The MCM gel phase is further characterized by rotational viscometry and texture analysis. The gel phase shows shear thinning or pseudoplastic behavior and possesses homogeneous matrix structure.