Synthesis and characterization of highly amine functionalized mesoporous organosilicas by an “all-in-one” approach

Abstract

Mesoporous organosilicas (MOs) represent a promising class of organic–inorganic nanocomposites for a broad range of applications like catalysis, sensing, separation, or microelectronics. Their distinct feature is the presence of organic groups incorporated into the channel walls of a mesoporous structure. Here, we present a convenient “all-in-one” approach using silsesquioxane surfactant precursors for the functionalization of the channel walls with primary amine groups. The monomer is made by a hydroboration/aminolysis sequence on the base of a commercial monomer, with the template bound to the functionalization site by hydroboration and released after silica condensation and aminolysis. This combination ensures both the placement of the amine groups exclusively along the channel interface as well as optimal use of the template.