MCM-41
Hydrothermal Method
Product Detail
MCM-41 (Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41) is a mesoporous material developed by the Mobil Oil Corporation. MCM-41 is part of a family of silicate and aluminosilicate solids that are well suited for use as catalysts and catalytic supports. ACS Material MCM-41 (CAS No. 7631-86-9) is prepared by the hydrothermal method and supplied calcined and ready to use in two grades: Type A (reagent grade, average pore diameter 3.4 nm, BET surface area > 850 m²/g) and Type B (industrial grade, average pore diameter 3.5–4.0 nm, BET surface area > 800 m²/g).
Key features
- Ordered cylindrical mesopores. An ordered, one-dimensional system of cylindrical mesopores with a sharp, well-defined pore size distribution.
- High surface area and pore volume. BET surface area > 850 m²/g (Type A) or > 800 m²/g (Type B); pore volume ≥ 0.75 cm³/g for both grades.
- Two grades. Type A reagent grade (particle size 100–1000 nm, pore diameter 3.4 nm) and Type B industrial grade (200–1000 nm, 3.5–4.0 nm).
- Calcined and ready to use. Supplied calcined; the powder is ready to use directly.
- Pure silica framework. No aluminum in the lattice framework, so MCM-41 has no Brønsted acid centers; Na2O ≤ 0.5%.
Structure and synthesis
MCM-41 has a hierarchical structure that has, as its base, an ordered arrangement of cylindrical mesopores. Across the MCM-41 class of materials, these pores range from about 2 nm to 6.5 nm in diameter and form a one-dimensional pore system with a sharp, well-defined pore distribution and large surface area and pore volume. The average pore diameter of ACS Material MCM-41 is 3.4 nm (Type A) and 3.5–4.0 nm (Type B).
During the synthesis of MCM-41, surfactants (typically cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB) are added to the synthesis solution. The surfactant initially forms rod-shaped micelles that eventually align together in hexagonal arrays. Silica species are added to cover the rods, and then calcination condenses the silanol groups, which bridges the silicon atoms with oxygen atoms. Ultimately, the organic template oxidizes and disappears, leaving behind fully formed MCM-41.
Because there is no aluminum in the lattice framework, MCM-41 has no Brønsted acid centers and has an acidity analogous to amorphous aluminosilicates. The low level of cross-linking between silicate units and its thin walls mean MCM-41 is not hydrothermally stable.
Characterizations
| Property | Type A | Type B |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | Reagent grade | Industrial grade |
| Appearance | White powder | White powder |
| Particle size | 100–1000 nm | 200–1000 nm |
| Average pore diameter | 3.4 nm | 3.5–4.0 nm |
| BET surface area | > 850 m²/g | > 800 m²/g |
| Pore volume | ≥ 0.75 cm³/g | ≥ 0.75 cm³/g |
| Na2O | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.5% |
| Preparation method | Hydrothermal method | Hydrothermal method |
This product is calcined and ready to use directly.
Ordering information
| Option | Grade | Package | Product No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-20g | Type A, reagent grade | 20 g | MSM41A01 |
| B-50g | Type B, industrial grade | 50 g | MSM41B15 |
| B-100g | Type B, industrial grade | 100 g | MSM41B21 |
Old SKU# (B-100g): MCM41-B-100g
Typical data
Type A
Type B
Applications
MCM-41 is widely used in catalysis (including catalytic cracking), separations, dye removal and as an adsorbent. Published studies, theses and reports using ACS Material MCM-41 (listed below) cover:
- CO2 adsorption research using amine-functionalized MCM-41 supports.
- Catalyst supports and catalytic conversion. Pt on MCM-41 for base-free glycerol oxidation.
- Water purification and dye separation. Adsorption of the herbicide bentazone from water; chromatographic separation of dyes in a fixed-bed adsorber.
- Fluids in nanopores. Liquid outflow from hydrophobic nanopores; water adsorption versus pore size and surface chemistry.
- Hydrogen storage. Nanoporous scaffold for liquids in room-temperature hydrogen storage experiments.
FAQ
What is the difference between MCM-41 Type A and Type B?
Type A is reagent grade, with a particle size of 100–1000 nm, an average pore diameter of 3.4 nm and a BET surface area > 850 m²/g. Type B is industrial grade, with a particle size of 200–1000 nm, an average pore diameter of 3.5–4.0 nm and a BET surface area > 800 m²/g. Both have a pore volume ≥ 0.75 cm³/g and Na2O ≤ 0.5%.
Does MCM-41 need to be calcined before use?
ACS Material MCM-41 is calcined and ready to use directly.
Which package sizes are available?
Type A is offered in 20 g (MSM41A01); Type B is offered in 50 g (MSM41B15) and 100 g (MSM41B21).
Does MCM-41 have acid sites, and is it hydrothermally stable?
There is no aluminum in the MCM-41 lattice framework, so it has no Brønsted acid centers; its acidity is analogous to amorphous aluminosilicates. Because of the low level of cross-linking between silicate units and its thin walls, MCM-41 is not hydrothermally stable.
Where can I find the TDS and SDS?
The Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product are available under the price on this page.