Synthesis, characterization, and applications of organic-inorganic hybrid mesoporous silica prepared by microwave heating

Organic-inorganic hybrid mesoporous materials containing homogeneously distributed ethane group in silica framework were prepared using 1,2 bis(trimethoxysilyl) ethane (BTME) as a precursor and alkyltrimethylammonium chloride/bromide surfactant as a template. Characterization of the materials was performed using XRD, TEM/SEM, Si-29- / C-13- NMR, and N-2-adsorption. Hydrothermal synthesis assisted by microwave heating produced a 1-3 micronsized hybrid material with spherical morphology in substantially reduced time. Bifunctional materials containing BTME and either aminopropyl- or mercaptopropy- group within the same silica framework were also prepared with or without the presence of a swelling agent, mesitylene. Mn-salen complex tethering on the hybrid material produced a catalyst with a somewhat enhanced performance in cyclohexene etherification using TBHP as an oxidant. Testing of the hybrid material as a reverse phase HPLC column material after C18 surface-functionalization demonstrated a promising result, which warrants further optimization of synthesis parameters.