Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 28, 2025

Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids
Published on: April 22, 2016
Synthesis of Cristobalite Containing Ordered Interstitial Mesopores using Crystallization of Silica Colloidal
Takamichi Matsuno1, Takamichi Nakaya1, Yoshiyuki Kuroda2,3
1Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Okubo 3-4-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan.
Abstract:
Cristobalite with ordered interstitial dual-sized mesopores was synthesized through the crystallization of silica colloidal crystals composed of monodispersed amorphous silica nanoparticles. An aqueous solution containing both a flux (Na2 O) and a carbon precursor (an aqueous low-molecular weight phenolic resin) was infiltrated into the interstices of silica colloidal crystals. The organic fraction in the nanocomposite was further polymerized and subsequently carbonized in an Ar flow at 750 °C to reinforce the colloidal crystal structure. The thermal treatment resulted in the crystallization of the colloidal crystals into cristobalite while retaining the porous structure. The cristobalite-carbon nanocomposite was calcined in air to remove the carbon and create interstitial ordered mesopores in the cristobalite. The surfaces of crystalline mesoporous silica are quite different from those of various ordered mesoporous silica with amorphous frameworks; thus, the present findings will be useful for a precise understanding and control of the interfaces between the mesopores and silica networks.
Related Concept Videos
Crystal Growth: Principles of Crystallization
Initiating crystallization involves manipulating the concentration of the solute and the temperature of the solution. Since crystal growth occurs when the ratio of concentration and solubility of the solute in the solvent...
Recrystallization: Solid–Solution Equilibria
Colloidal precipitates

