LAXRD patterns were recorded for each control sample to probe if the presence of Fe in the gel impeded mesophase formation. Each sample shows characteristic (10), (11), and (20) diffraction peaks of p6mm space group. The presence of (11) and (20) reflections in Fig. k indicates well defined extended pore structure. XRD from 10-80 ° 2θ (S1) did not show diffraction peaks for any of the common phases of iron or iron oxide.
Investigation of the morphology of SBA-15 prepared in the presence of (NH4)2 Fe (SO4)2 6 H2O by TEM shown in Fig. x hexagonal array of pores. No Fe particles appear to be present, suggesting that the precursor predominately remains unincorperated within MSN.