Phenyl-functionalized SBA-15 materials (Ph-SBA-15) were directly synthesized by using tri-block copolymer Pluronic P123 as templating agent under acidic conditions. The samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and N-2 adsorption-desorption. The results show that the phenyl groups are covalently attached to the pore wall of SBA-15 after modification. The functionalized materials still preserve a desirable two-dimensional P6mm hexagonal structure and have large specific surface area and pore volume although the molar ratio of phenyltrimethoxysilane in total silica precursors is as high as 23.0%. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B. V.