Synthesis and characterization of bulky FSM with interconnected mesopore-networks using an HHP method

In this study, the synthesis of bulky FSM materials was attempted by a hydrothermal hot-pressing (HHP) method at relatively low temperatures. The obtained FSM bulks had dense microstructures without large voids and extremely high values of specific surface areas of over 1000 m²/g. TEM observations showed that the bulks synthesized by this HHP method possessed a regular hexagonal arrangement of uniform mesopores and no amorphous phase at the interface between FSM grains, leading to bulky FSM bodies with interconnected mesopore-networks. As a result, dense bulky bodies with hexagonal structured mesopores and high values of specific surface areas could be obtained by this HHP method. These bulky FSM bodies are expected to be applicable as catalysts, adsorbents, sensors, electronics materials, and so on.