Synthesis of hexagonal microporous silica and aluminophosphate by supramolecular templating of a short-chain amine

Hexagonal microporous phases of SiO₂ and AlPO₄ with pore sizes in the range intermediate between traditional microporous and mesoporous materials have been prepared, by making use of supramolecular organization of shortchain amine (n-C₆H₁₂NH₂) template molecules. The pore diameters are around 1.4 nm in both cases. The hexagonal microporous phase of A1PO₄ is formed only in the presence of fluoride ions. The surface area of SiO₂ after removal of the template is 800 m² g⁻¹. In the case of AlPO₄, the surface area is 190 m² g⁻¹ after removal of 60% of the template.