Mesoporous Silica Synthesis Using Water-Soluble ODSO Acidity Modifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing SBA-15 mesoporous silica are inefficient and do not effectively modify the properties of DSO by-products, making their disposal and utilization challenging in refineries, particularly due to the need for calcination which reduces silanol groups available for functionalization.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of water-soluble ODSO compounds as acidity modifiers during sol-gel synthesis to produce mesoporous silica, which alters the silica structure and increases silanol groups, allowing for improved functionalization and stability of the mesoporous silica framework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to produce SBA-15 mesoporous silica, then the basic mesoporous structure is achieved, but the silanol groups are reduced due to calcination, limiting functionalization capability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameter by introducing water-soluble ODSO compounds during synthesis. This modifies the silica framework formation process to produce a structure with different Q4 silica content and higher silanol group concentration, resolving the contradiction between framework stability and functionalization capability
Solution Approach 2:
Water-soluble ODSO compounds act as intermediaries during the sol-gel synthesis process. These compounds mediate the formation of siloxane bonds and influence the condensation reactions, resulting in a mesoporous silica framework that maintains stability while preserving more silanol groups for subsequent functionalization
2Stability of the object's composition
If calcination is performed to remove surfactant and stabilize the framework, then the mesoporous structure is maintained, but silanol groups are condensed into Q4 silica, reducing surface functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by modifying the synthesis conditions to pre-form a framework with optimized silanol group distribution. This preliminary structuring during sol-gel synthesis ensures that even after calcination, sufficient silanol groups remain available for functionalization, addressing the contradiction between framework stabilization and surface adaptability
3Productivity
If standard sol-gel synthesis is used, then mesoporous silica is produced, but the process is inefficient and does not effectively utilize DSO by-products
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful DSO by-products from the MEROX process into beneficial acidity modifiers for the sol-gel synthesis. By oxidizing DSO to water-soluble ODSO compounds and using them in the synthesis, the process simultaneously improves productivity and provides an effective utilization pathway for refinery waste streams
Solution Approach 2:
The water-soluble ODSO compounds serve multiple functions: they act as acidity modifiers to catalyze hydrolysis and condensation, influence the mesoporous structure formation, and enhance the overall synthesis efficiency. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between productivity and ease of manufacture by consolidating multiple roles into a single reagent system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method results in mesoporous silica with enhanced long-range ordering, increased silanol groups, and reduced Q4 silica, enabling better surface coverage for functionalization and potential applications in catalysis, drug delivery, and other uses.
Implementation Method 1
use of water-soluble ODSO compounds as acidity modifiers during sol-gel synthesis
Implementation Method 2
mixing in an aqueous medium under conditions conducive to promote hydrolysis reactions effective quantities of a surfactant as a soft template material to influence a silica mesoporous structure
Implementation Method 3
The mixture is then heated under conditions and for a time effective conducive to promote condensation reactions and to form mesoporous silica as a precipitate
Implementation Method 4
heating the second mixture under conditions and for a time effective conducive to promote condensation reactions and to form mesoporous silica as a precipitate
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of synthesis of mesoporous silica are disclosed. The mesoporous silica synthesized herein, like SBA-15, possesses a two-dimensional, hexagonal, through-hole structure with a space group p6mm. An effective quantity of one or more water-soluble oxidized disulfide oil (ODSO) compounds are used during synthesis to impart distinct characteristics.