Mesoporous silica SBA-16 thin films were synthesized on a Si substrate via the dip-coating method. SEM analysis revealed that these films possess highly ordered 3D cubic structure. After these films were filled with either pure water or KCl aqueous solutions, the ionic current passing through the mesopores was measured by applying electric field to find out ion transport phenomena. If the ion transport phenomena in mesoporous silica are completely elucidated, this will enhance its use in applications where it is intended to be employed as a catalyst, filter, and adsorbent. The measured I-V curves were non-linear. This document discusses the relationship between the non-linear I-V curves and the ionic flow inside the 3D cubic pore structure. The effect of the dimensions and surface properties of mesopores on the I-V curves are also discussed.

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