Novel menthol releaser derived from as-synthesized mesoporous silica

Abstract

A novel menthol releaser is reported for the first time by utilizing the as-synthesized mesoporous silica MCM-41, MCM-48, and SBA-15, which not only saves the energy and time for the removal of the template, but also opens new applications for micelles. The micelles of CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) in the as-synthesized MCM-41 had a flexibility dependent on temperature, that is, they were flexible at around 373 K so that menthol could enter the channel, but rigid at ambient temperature so the adsorbed menthol was sealed through physical interception, and they would release the spice at 333 K. The influence of temperature, nature and distribution of micelles on the adsorption and release of menthol was carefully assessed, and among three as-synthesized mesoporous vessels, the as-synthesized MCM-41 exhibited the highest capability in thermal release of menthol at 333 K after open stored in ambient for 30 days or longer. Furthermore, this new menthol releaser was preliminarily used in the filter of cigarette.