A rapid synthesis method of well-ordered mesoporous silica with a narrow pore size distribution (2-3 nm) was described. The sodium silicate and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) were used as a silica source and a template, respectively. And the effects of synthesis conditions on the structure of mesoporous silica were also investigated. Mild acidic medium is helpful to synthesize the well-ordered mesoporous silica, and a relative higher weight ratio of CTAB/sodium silicate (1.5/5.0) is necessary. Moreover, a short aging time (8 h) and an appropriate temperature (about 20 degrees C) are beneficial to obtain the mesoporous silica with a narrow pore size distribution. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.