Nanocasting process, using ordered

Figure 3.2 Schematic representation of the nanocasting process using ordered mesoporous SBA-15 siiica as the hard tempiate.

The applicability of nanocasting as an analytical tool has been demonstrated [38] by comparing the silica structures obtained from the lyotropic phase, which has been crosslinked using y-rays, in order to provide sufficient mechanical stability to allow thin-sectioning, with those of a silica nanocast obtained from a lyotropic phase of the same composition (Fig. 7). The similarity between the structures is striking. A reference sample was prepared by filHng the pore system of the crosslinked polymer gel with sihca and subsequent calcination. The pictures prove without doubt that the sol-gel process indeed does not have any structurally disrupting effect on the hquid crystalhne phase [38]. 

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