Abstract: A method and composition of matter relating to mesoporous structures. The inventive method and inventive structures relate to, for example, attrition-resistant heterogeneous catalysts. A preferred embodiment makes use of a liquid-crystal template mechanism to create a silica structure where insoluble nanoparticles (generally submicron particles) are trapped inside. Such a structure provides controlled porosity for transport of reactants to and products from the catalytically active phase, respectively. Catalytically active structures of the present invention are useful for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis where the breakup and attrition of the catalytically active phase ordinarily hinders performance. The method of the present invention is generally applicable to other mesoporous materials and active phase combinations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalysts in mesoporous structures. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a method for encapsulating a dispersed insoluble compound in a mesoporous structure comprising combining a soluble oxide precursor, a solvent, and a surfactant to form a mixture; dispersing an insoluble compound in the mixture; spray-drying the mixture to produce dry powder; and calcining the powder to yield a porous structure comprising the dispersed insoluble compound.