Determination and tailoring the pore entrance size in ordered silicas with cage-like mesoporous structures.

A practical approach to the determination of the pore entrance size in ordered silicas with cage-like mesoporous structures (OSCMSs) is proposed. A fundamental insight into the OSCMS pore connectivity is gained, including the control of the pore entrance size by post-synthesis surface modification, and by selection of appropriate synthesis temperature. These findings show a new promise for the synthesis of mesoporous solids with molecular size- and shape-selective properties.