This review discusses the fundamental aspects of silicate mesoporous materials, their synthesis, structure, and applications. Silicate mesoporous materials, with pore sizes of 2.0–10.0 nm, offer high surface areas (>700 m²/g) and narrow pore size distributions, making them suitable for catalysis, separation, and adsorption. Unlike microporous zeolites, these materials use long-chain surfactants as structure-directing agents during synthesis, allowing for tailored pore structures. The synthesis of these materials involves variations in reactant stoichiometry, surfactant type, reaction conditions, and post-synthesis functionalization. The review covers the synthesis of MCM-41, a well-known mesoporous material, and its applications in catalysis, adsorption, and separation. It also discusses the development of other mesoporous materials like SBA-15, which have larger pore sizes and improved stability. The review highlights the importance of pore size, structure, and functionalization in determining the performance of mesoporous materials. It also addresses the role of surfactants and sol-gel science in the synthesis of these materials. The review emphasizes the potential of mesoporous materials in various applications, including catalysis, separation, and adsorption, and discusses the effects of pH, temperature, and time on their performance. The review concludes with an overview of the synthesis and modification of MCM-41, highlighting the importance of functionalization in enhancing the properties of mesoporous materials.This review discusses the fundamental aspects of silicate mesoporous materials, their synthesis, structure, and applications. Silicate mesoporous materials, with pore sizes of 2.0–10.0 nm, offer high surface areas (>700 m²/g) and narrow pore size distributions, making them suitable for catalysis, separation, and adsorption. Unlike microporous zeolites, these materials use long-chain surfactants as structure-directing agents during synthesis, allowing for tailored pore structures. The synthesis of these materials involves variations in reactant stoichiometry, surfactant type, reaction conditions, and post-synthesis functionalization. The review covers the synthesis of MCM-41, a well-known mesoporous material, and its applications in catalysis, adsorption, and separation. It also discusses the development of other mesoporous materials like SBA-15, which have larger pore sizes and improved stability. The review highlights the importance of pore size, structure, and functionalization in determining the performance of mesoporous materials. It also addresses the role of surfactants and sol-gel science in the synthesis of these materials. The review emphasizes the potential of mesoporous materials in various applications, including catalysis, separation, and adsorption, and discusses the effects of pH, temperature, and time on their performance. The review concludes with an overview of the synthesis and modification of MCM-41, highlighting the importance of functionalization in enhancing the properties of mesoporous materials.