Various mesocellular foam (MCF) materials were synthesized by modifying the preparation method of SBA-15 with 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) which functioned as a swelling agent. The TMB dosage was varied from 0 to 4g to elucidate the effects on the properties of the material. Without TMB, the normal SBA-15 structure with lengthy rods arranged in bundles was observed. Structural changes from hexagonal to a mixture of lamellar and MCF, and subsequently to a fully developed MCF was observed after the amount of TMB was increased from 0 to 4.0g. The increase in the amount of TMB significantly affected the surface morphology and mesostructure of the silica materials. Effects of Fe incorporation into the materials on their surface and structural properties were also elucidated. Catalytic degradation of acid red B (ARB) dye was carried out and the performance increased with the increase in the TMB content and dropped drastically when the amount of TMB exceeded 4.0g. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.