Pore size, wall thickness, and microporosity of cubic SBA-16 with 3D, super-large channel can be bridled simply by varying silica concentrations. A reasonable model is also proposed and is applicable to other system such as SBA-15. Ultra-thick wall thickness of 8.5-9.1 nm for SBA-16 has not been reported and may lead to higher thermal and hydrothermal stability of calcined SBA-16. Particle size in the range of 1.5-10 mum can be controlled similarly and is a fairly important parameter for the application on the stationary phase for separation. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.