Pore structure characterization of mesoporous silica for hemodialysis applications: Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) study

Accumulation of uremic toxins cause serious problems for kidney failure patient. Adsorbents like mesoporous silica (MS), has potential to remove uremic toxin in hemodialysis process. It can be conducted by incorporating the MS with polymer to become hybrid membrane or as separated component in dialyzer device. Amine group grafted on MS was known to increase the adsorption of uremic toxin such as urea and creatinine. In this study, we synthesize mesoporous silica with variation of CTAB, TEOS, and NaOH concentration to make different pore size and structure and functionalized them. Since the adsorption capability of MS is laid on its pore and surface structure, it is important to observed the roughness of the MS surface and the pores, and see the dominant parameter in the adsorption whether it is the pore or the roughness. In other side, our previous study showed that the shape of micelle (oblate or prolate) affecting the resulted pore structure of MS. Therefore, to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the MS, the study of CTAB micellization as a templating agent will also study to further development on MS synthesis as potential adsorbent for uremic toxin removal. All those studies can be done using small angle neutron scattering (SANS) by applying contrast match.