Biomimetic synthesis of micro and mesoporous molecular sieves at room temperature and neutral pH

Different silica-based microporous and mesoporous molecular sieves have been synthesized at room temperature and neutral pH using organic cations as structure directing agents in fluoride absence. Hydrolysis and condensation of silica precursors has been carried out by small molecules as tromethamine, cysteamine or ethanolamine that mimic silicatein α, the protein responsible of this process in a large variety of marine organisms that are able to synthesize silica skeletons by activating and self assembling the silica present in sea water. Catalytic tests of titanium containing samples have been carried out.