In-situ formation of mesoporous silica films controlled by ion transfer voltammetry at the polarized liquid-liquid interface

Mesoporous silica films have been generated at the interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions by ion transfer voltammetry of a surfactant template and self-assembly polycondensation of a hydrolysed silica precursor. A mesoporous silica film is formed at an oil-water interface, showing a 'worm-like' structure as confirmed by SAXS and TEM. The film structure was strongly influenced by concentration of surfactant template (cetyltrimethylammonium tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)borate). Free-standing mesoporous silica films can be also formed at micro-interface arrays and they remain permeable to the transfer of the model ion tetraethylammonium. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.