Synthesis of silica nanofibers via disassembly of a reverse type 2D hexagonal mesostructure​

Abstract

A reverse-type mesostructure consisting of silica and low molecular weight surfactants was fabricated. The mesostructure was assignable to a 2D hexagonal structure. Ultra thin silica nanofibers were obtained by disassembly of the mesostructure in THF. Trimethylsilylation of silica nanofibers was successfully performed, and surfactants decreased. Various fiber aggregates were fabricated by controlling the aggregation morphology of the fibers.