Amphiphilic mesoporous silica composite nanosheets

We have reported a new approach to fabricate mesoporous silica composite nanosheets by milling the corresponding hollow spheres. The mesoporous nanosheets are amphiphilic, and can be well dispersible both in water and oil, serving as particulate emulsifiers in o/w or w/o systems. The mesoporous silica can assist other functional materials, for example metal and carbon to be dispersible. An example is given to demonstrate the support of catalysts for a heterogeneous catalytic aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohols by Pt/silica composite nanosheets.