Rapid Synthesis of MCM-41 from Rice Husk Using Ultrasonic Wave: Optimation of Sonication Time

Abstract

Ultrasound waves with 48 KHz of frequency were applied for the synthesis of MCM-41 using rice husk as the silica source. The effect of sonication time (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 210 min) on the crystallinity of calcined MCM-41 was investigated. Characterization using XRD and FTIR indicated that the ordered structure of MCM-41 could be synthesized by ultrasonic wave. Sonication time at 150 min was found to be the optimum condition. The nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms informed that the mesoporous material produced at the optimum condition has 794.73 m2·g-1of surface area, 3.02 nm of BJH pore diameter, 1.17 nm of wall thickness, and 0.68 ml·g-1 of pore volume. While based on the TEM image, the material has hexagonal or a honey-comb structure.