Pure siliceous MCM-41 sample was synthesized in ethylenediamine (EDA) medium. MCM-41 sample calcined at 813 K showed the most strong photoluminescent (PL) effect, while those calcined at 1073 K and 1323 K only showed weak photoluminescence. The intensity of photoluminescence decreased as the calcined temperature increased. By nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and infrared (IR) investigation, it was demonstrated that both the Al-depleted defect sites and silanol contents were responsible for the strong PL effect of the investigated MCM-41 samples. It was also suggested that the mesoporous channel structure of MCM-41 influences the investigated PL effect. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.