Mechanically robust mesoporous solids by dual-mode supramolecular self-assembly

Centimeter-scale mesoporous silica monoliths were synthesized by a multi-step fabrication process by combining cooperative and evaporation-induced self-assembly with high-pressure compaction. The fabricated monoliths were highly permeable with a surface area exceeding 270 m2/g from a continuous SBA-16 cubic mesoporous matrix. This new type of mesoporous solids exhibits excellent mechanical stability comparable to sedimentary rocks, despite having a low density of only ~ 1.1 g/cm3.