Adsorption performance of VOCs in ordered mesoporous silicas with different pore structures and surface chemistry

Ordered mesoporous silicas with different pore structures, including SBA-15, MCM-41, MCM-48 and KIT-6, were functionalized with phenyltriethoxysilane by a post-synthesis grafting approach. It was found that phenyl groups were covalently anchored onto the surface of mesoporous silicas, and the long-range ordering of the mesoporous channels was well retained after the surface functionalization. The static adsorption of benzene and the dynamic adsorption of single component (benzene) and bicomponent (benzene and cyclohexane) on the original and functionalized materials were investigated. As indicated by the adsorption study, the functionalized silicas exhibit improvement in the surface hydrophobicity and affinity for aromatic compounds as compared with the original silicas. Furthermore, the pore structure and the surface chemistry of materials can significantly influence adsorption performance. A larger pore diameter and cubic pore structure are favorable to surface functionalization and adsorption performance. In particular, the best adsorption performance observed with phenyl-grafted KIT-6 is probably related to the highest degree of surface functionalization, arising from the relatively large mesopores and bi-continuous cubic pore structure which allow great accessibility for the functional groups. In contrast, functionalized MCM-41 exhibits the lowest adsorption efficiency, probably owing to the small size of mesopores and 1D mesoporous channels.     

配合物[Fe(bipy)2]3+修饰的MCM-41的合成与表征

以γ－氨丙基修饰介孔分子筛ＭＣＭ－４１内孔壁,将引入的γ－氨丙基与金属配位离子［Ｆｅ（ｂｉｐｙ）_２］^３＋通过配位键首次合成了金属配位化合物修饰的ＭＣＭ－４１（ＭＣＭ－ａｐ－Ｆｅ（ｂｉｐｙ）_２）．通过ＸＲＤ,７７Ｋ氮气吸附－脱附曲线,固体ＵＶ－ｖｉｓ漫反射光谱和循环伏安曲线表征了复合物ＭＣＭ－ａｐ－Ｆｅ（ｂｉｐｙ）_２。由于［Ｆｅ（ｂｉｐｙ）_２］^３＋的引入,使 ＭＣＭ－ａｐ－Ｆｅ（ｂｉｐｙ）_２的结晶度降低, ＢＥＴ比表面积、孔容和最可几孔径急剧下降．γ－氨丙基与Ｆｅ^３＋的配位而使其ＵＶ－ｖｉｓ漫反射吸收光谱与ＭＣＭ－Ｆｅ（ｂｉｐｙ）_２不同;循环伏安特性曲线表明ＭＣＭ－ａｐ－Ｆｅ（ｂｉｐｙ）_２在电化学上比浸渍法制备的ＭＣＭ－Ｆｅ（ｂｉｐｙ）_２稳定．     

Electrochemical Behavior of Heteropoly Acid Anions Adsorbed in Electrodes Modified with Mesoporous Molecular Sieve Silica

Heteropoly acid H4SiW12O48 (denoted as SiW12) was assembled with the mesoporous materials MCM-41 modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) (denote MCM-41((m))). The electrochemical behavior of SiW12/MCM-41((m)) complexes-based electrode indicated SiW12 anion was adsorbed by MCM-41((m)). In MCM-41((m)) electrode, large voltammetric waves, showing that the electrostatic bound ions adsorbed in MCM-41((m)) were electrochemically active. The potential application as amperometric sensors for nitrite is anticipated.     

Direct synthesis and characterization of bifunctional Me-Zr-MCM-41

Methyl group functionalized Zr-MCM-41 was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The obtained Me-Zr-MCM-41 materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N₂ physisorption, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results indicated that Zr was highly dispersed in the framework of MCM-41, and methyl group was stable enough to endure the acid treatment for removing the template. The measurement results of the surface hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties showed that the surface hydrophobicity of Me-Zr-MCM-41 materials increased with increasing the content of methyl groups.     

Preparation, Characterization and Luminescent Properties of MCM-41 Type Materials Impregnated with Rare Earth Complex

Hybrid materials incorporating Eu-(TTA)(3). 2H(2)O (7hereafter designated as Eu-TTA, with TTA: thenoyltrifluoroacetone) in unmodified or modified MCM-41 by 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES) were prepared by impregnation method. The obtained materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and luminescence spectra. All the hybrid samples exhibited the characteristic emission bands of EU3+ under UV light excitation at room temperature, and the excitation spectra showed significant blue-shifts compared to the pure rare-earth complex. Although the red emission intensity in the modified hybrid was almost the half of the red emission intensity in the pure Eu-TTA complex at room temperature, the hybrid showed a much higher thermal stability due to the shielding character of the MCM-41 host.     

Protection of normal cells from irradiation bystander effects by silica-flufenamic acid nanoparticles

The development of a myriad of nanoparticles types has opened new possibilities for the diagnostics and treatment of many diseases, especially for cancer. However, most of the researches done so far do not focus on the protection of normal cells surrounding a tumor from irradiation bystander effects that might lead to cancer recurrence. Gap-junctions are known to be involved in this process, which leads to genomic instability of neighboring normal cells, and flufenamic acid (FFA) is included in a new group of gap-junction blockers recently discovered. The present work explores the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles MCM-41 functionalized with 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) for anchoring the flufenamic acid for its prolonged and controlled release and protection from radiation bystander effects. MCM-41 and functionalized samples were structurally and chemically characterized with multiple techniques. The biocompatibility of all samples was tested in a live/dead assay performed in cultured MRC-5 and HeLa cells. HeLa cells cultured were exposed to 50?Gy of gamma-rays and the media transferred to fibroblast cells cultured separately. Our results show that MCM-41 and functionalized samples have high biocompatibility with MCR-5 and HeLa cells, and most importantly, the FFA delivered by these NPs was able to halt apoptosis, one of main bystander effects.     

Preparation and luminescence properties of the mesoporous MCM-41s intercalated with rare earth complex

Rare earth complex Eu(DBM)₃phen (DBM: dibenzoylmethane, phen: 1,10-phenanthroline) has been incorporated into unmodified MCM-41 and modified MCM-41s by aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) or N-[(3-triethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine (TEPED). Thus, the assemblies of unmodified or modified MCM-41s with rare earth (RE) complex have been obtained. XRD spectra, NMR spectra, diffuse reflectance spectra, and the luminescence spectra were used to characterize the pure RE complex and the corresponding assemblies. The assemblies have better luminescence properties under UV irradiation, and their fluorescence lifetimes on the excited state are longer than that of the corresponding pure complex. The possible mechanisms are also discussed in the context.     

Organosilane functionalization of halloysite nanotubes for enhanced loading and controlled release

The surfaces of naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes were functionalized with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), which was found to have a substantial effect on the loading and subsequent release of a model dye molecule. APTES was mostly anchored at the internal lumen surface of halloysite through covalent grafting, forming a functionalized surface covered by aminopropyl groups. The dye loading of the functionalized halloysite was 32% greater than that of the unmodified sample, and the release from the functionalized halloysite was dramatically prolonged as compared to that from the unmodified one. Dye release was prolonged at low pH and the release at pH 3.5 was approximately three times slower than that at pH 10.0. These results demonstrate that organosilane functionalization makes pH an external trigger for controlling the loading of guest on halloysite and the subsequent controlled release.     

Preparation and use of chemically modified MCM-41 and silica gel as selective adsorbents for Hg(II) ions

Adsorbents for Hg(II) ion extraction were prepared using amorphous silica gel and ordered MCM-41. Grafting with 2-(3-(2-aminoethylthio)propylthio)ethanamine was used to functionalize the silica. The functionalized adsorbents were characterized by nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction, 13C MAS NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The adsorption properties of the modified silica gel and MCM-41 were compared using batch method. The effect of pH, stirring time, ionic strength and foreign ions were studied. The extraction of Hg(II) ions occurred rapidly with the modified MCM-41 and the optimal pH range for the extraction by the modified materials was pH 4-7. Foreign ions, especially Cl- had some effect on the extraction efficiency of the modified silica gel and the modified MCM-41. The adsorption behavior of both adsorbents could be described by a Langmuir model at 298 K, and the maximum adsorption capacity of the modified silica gel and MCM-41 at pH 3 was 0.79 and 0.70 mmol g(-1), respectively. The modified MCM-41 showed a larger Langmuir constant than that of the modified silica gel, indicating a better ability for Hg(II) ion adsorption. The results indicate that the structure of the materials affects the adsorption behavior. These materials show a potential for the application as effective and selective adsorbents for Hg(II) removal from water.     

TiO2在MCM-41内表面单层及双层分散的结构表征

首次以有机物钛酸丁酯为前驱体,合成了ＴiO2呈单层分散状态（Ｔi/Si=0．２０）或双层分散状态（Ｔi/Si=0．39)的介孔分子筛ＭＣＭ－４１（Si/Al=35）,并以ＸＲＤ,ＦＴＩＲ,Ｎ２吸附－脱附,固体ＵＶ－vis漫反等表征手段对其结构特征的氧化钛分散状态进行了研究,结果表明：ＴiO2在介孔分子筛ＭＣＭ－４１孔道中分散,ＭＣＭ－４１骨架结构结晶度降低,但是附着二层ＴiO2后,仍能保持长程有序结构;ＴiO2与ＭＣＭ－４１骨架结构结果度降低低,但是附着二层ＴiO2后,仍能保持长程有序结构,ＴiO2与ＭＣＭ－４１孔道表面的ＳiO2比化学键连接,生成Ｓi-O-Ti键;无论是单层还是双层分散的ＴiO2在ＭＣＭ－４１内孔壁均匀分散,且由于ＴiO2粒子的减小使其对紫外光的吸收发生明显的蓝移现象。.     

2-Mercaptothiazoline modified mesoporous silica for mercury removal from aqueous media

Mesoporous silicas (SBA-15 and MCM-41) have been functionalized by two different methods. Using the heterogeneous route the silylating agent, 3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane, was initially immobilized onto the mesoporous silica surface to give the chlorinated mesoporous silica Cl-SBA-15 or Cl-MCM-41. In a second step a multifunctionalized N, S donor compound (2-mercaptothiazoline, MTZ) was incorporated to obtain the functionalized silicas denoted as MTZ-SBA-15-Het or MTZ-MCM-41-Het. Using the homogeneous route, the functionalization was achieved via the one step reaction of the mesoporous silica with an organic ligand containing the chelating functions, to give the modified mesoporous silicas denoted as MTZ-SBA-15-Hom or MTZ-MCM-41-Hom. The functionalized mesoporous silicas were employed as adsorbents for the regeneration of aqueous solutions contaminated with Hg (II) at room temperature. SBA-15 and MCM-41 functionalized with MTZ by the homogeneous method present good mercury adsorption values (1.10 and 0.7mmolHg (II)/g of silica, respectively). This fact suggests a better applicability of such mesoporous silica supports to extract Hg (II) from aqueous solutions. In addition, it was observed the existence of a correlation between mercury adsorption with pore size and volume since, SBA-15 with lower areas and higher pore sizes functionalized with sterically demanding ligands, show better adsorption capacities than functionalized MCM-41.     

Steam-assisted crystallization of TPA+-exchanged MCM-41 type mesoporous materials with thick pore walls

Hierarchical MCM-41/MFI composites were synthesized through ion-exchange of as-made MCM-41 type mesoporous materials with tetrapropylammonium bromide and subsequent steam-assisted recrystallization. The obtained samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR, ¹H–¹³C CP/MAS and nitrogen adsorption–desorption. The XRD patterns show that the MCM-41/MFI composite possesses both ordered MCM-41 phase and zeolite MFI phase. SEM and TEM images indicate that the recrystallized materials retained the mesoporous characteristics and the morphology of as-made mesoporous materials without the formation of bulky zeolite, quite different from the mechanical mixture of MCM-41 and MFI structured zeolite. Among others, lower recrystallization temperature and the introduction of the titanium to the parent materials are beneficial to preserve the mesoporous structure during the recrystallization process.     

Silica materials recovered from photonic industrial waste powder: its extraction, modification, characterization and application

This study explored the possibility of recovering waste powder from photonic industry into two useful resources, sodium fluoride (NaF) and the silica precursor solution. An alkali fusion process was utilized to effectively separate silicate supernatant and the sediment. The obtained sediment contains purified NaF (>90%), which provides further reuse possibility since NaF is widely applied in chemical industry. The supernatant is a valuable silicate source for synthesizing mesoporous silica material such as MCM-41. The MCM-41 produced from the photonic waste powder (PWP), namely MCM-41(PWP), possessed high specific surface areas (1082 m²/g), narrow pore size distributions (2.95 nm) and large pore volumes (0.99 cm³/g). The amine-modified MCM-41(PWP) was further applied as an adsorbent for the capture of CO₂ greenhouse gas. Breakthrough experiments demonstrated that the tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) functionalized MCM-41(PWP) exhibited an adsorption capacity (82 mg CO₂/g adsorbent) of only slightly less than that of the TEPA/MCM-41 manufactured from pure chemical (97 mg CO₂/g adsorbent), and its capacity is higher than that of TEPA/ZSM-5 zeolite (43 mg CO₂/g adsorbent). The results revealed both the high potential of resource recovery from the photonic solid waste and the cost-effective application of waste-derived mesoporous adsorbent for environmental protection.     

Synthesis of MCM-41 nanoparticles from stem of common reed ash silica and their application as substrate in electrooxidation of methanol

In this work, stem of common reed ash (SCRA) is introduced as a new source of silica in the preparation of mesoporous materials. Mesoporous silicate MCM-41 nanoparticles were synthesized hydrothermally using sodium silicate prepared from SCRA as a silica source. The characterization of MCM-41was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N\(_{2}\) adsorption/desorption (BET) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM shows that MCM-41 nanoparticles are sphere-like with size in the range of 30–50 nm with some degree of agglomeration. TEM image of the synthesized sample shows the open framework structure of MCM-41. A type IV isotherm can be observed from adsorption/desorption curves, which is the characteristic of mesoporous materials. The prepared MCM-41 nanoparticles were used as substrate to facilitate the oxidation of methanol through the modification with an electroactive species. The modification was achieved by impregnation of MCM-41 pores with \(\hbox {Ni}^{2+}\) ions (Ni-doped MCM-41). A modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) was prepared by mixing Ni-doped MCM-41 with carbon paste (NiMCM-41CPE). Cyclic voltammetry of NiMCM-41CPE shows an increment in current density of methanol oxidation in comparison with CPE in alkaline solution. Moreover, a decrease in the overpotential of methanol oxidation occurred on the surface of modified electrode. The effects of some parameters such as scan rate and methanol concentration are also investigated on the behaviour of NiMCM-41CPE. Also, the heterogeneous electron transfer rate for the catalytic reaction (k) of methanol is calculated.     

TiO_2在MCM-41内表面单层及双层分散的结构表征

首次以有机物钛酸丁酯为前驱体,合成了ＴｉＯ２呈单层分散状态（Ｔｉ／Ｓｉ＝０.２０）或双层分散状态（Ｔｉ／Ｓｉ＝０．３９）的介孔分子筛ＭＣＭ－４１（Ｓｉ／Ａｌ＝３５）,并以 ＸＲＤ,ＦＴＩＲ,Ｎ２吸附－脱附,固体ＵＶ－ｖｉｓ 漫反射等表征手段对其结构特征和氧化钛分散状态进行了研究．结果表明： ＴｉＯ２在介孔分子筛ＭＣＭ－４１孔道中分散, ＭＣＭ－４１骨架结构结晶度降低,但是附着二层ＴｉＯ２后,仍能保持长程有序结构; ＴｉＯ２与ＭＣＭ－４１孔道表面的ＳｉＯ２以化学键连接,生成Ｓｉ－Ｏ—Ｔｉ键;无论是单层还是双层分散的 ＴｉＯ２在 ＭＣＭ－４１内孔壁均匀分散;且由于ＴｉＯ２粒子的减小使其对紫外光的吸收发生明显的蓝移现象．     

Controlled chemical modification of the internal surface of photonic crystal fibers for application as biosensitive elements

Photonic crystal fibers (PCF) are one of the most promising materials for creation of constructive elements for bio-, drug and contaminant sensing based on unique optical properties of the PCF as effective nanosized optical signal collectors. In order to provide efficient and controllable binding of biomolecules, the internal surface of glass hollow core photonic crystal fibers (HC-PCF) has been chemically modified with silanol groups and functionalized with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES). The shift of local maxima in the HC-PCF transmission spectrum has been selected as a signal for estimating the amount of silanol groups on the HC-PCF inner surface. The relationship between amount of silanol groups on the HC-PCF inner surface and efficiency of following APTES functionalization has been evaluated. Covalent binding of horseradish peroxidase (chosen as a model protein) on functionalized PCF inner surface has been performed successively, thus verifying the possibility of creating a biosensitive element.     

Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous Si-MCM-41 materials and their application as solid acid catalysts in some esterification reactions

Mesoporous MCM-41 has been synthesized by sol–gel method at room temperature possessing good thermal stability, high surface area as well as retention of surface area at high temperature. The MCM-41 neutral framework has been modified and put to practical use by incorporating Al³⁺ in the siliceous MCM-41 framework and supporting 12-TPA (12-tungstophosphoric acid) onto MCM-41 by process of anchoring and calcination to induce Brønsted acidity in MCM-41 to yield Al-MCM-41 and 12TPA-MCM-41, respectively. The synthesized materials have been characterized for elemental analysis by ICP-AES, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, FT–IR and TGA. Surface area has been determined by BET method and pore size and pore size distribution determined by BJH method. Surface acidity has been evaluated by NH₃-TPD method. The potential use of Al-MCM-41 and 12TPA-MCM-41 as solid acid catalysts has been explored and compared by studying esterification as a model reaction wherein monoesters such as ethyl acetate (EA), propyl acetate (PA), butyl acetate (BA) and benzyl acetate (BzA) have been synthesized, optimizing several parameters such as catalyst amount, reaction time, reaction temperature and mole ratio of reagents.     

不同偶联剂对介孔分子筛MCM-41的表面修饰及对MCM-41/环氧树脂性能的影响

使用2种硅烷偶联剂(KH550和KH792)对介孔分子筛MCM-41进行表面改性,采取氮气吸附-脱附、FTIR和TGA等进行表征,并采用原位聚合法制备了MCM-41/环氧树脂复合材料,研究了偶联剂种类和MCM-41用量等对复合材料固化过程及性能的影响。结果表明:硅烷偶联剂可与MCM-41表面的硅羟基反应,在分子筛内外表面接枝上功能化基团。经表面修饰的MCM-41比表面积下降为原来的1/5,KH550在MCM-41表面接枝率仅为KH792的一半。KH550与MCM-41外表面反应得更充分,KH792对MCM-41孔道内壁的修饰效果更强。固化动力学结果表明:KH792的功能化基团有伯胺和仲胺,与环氧树脂具有更高的反应活性,但不利于环氧大分子进入孔道,仅以球形粒子的形式添加在环氧树脂中;KH550表面修饰的MCM-41可使环氧大分子进入孔道内形成互穿结构。KH550表面修饰体系更多体现出MCM-41多孔的特征,形成了有机-无机互穿结构的复合体系,大幅度提高了储能模量和玻璃化转变温度。KH792表面修饰体系则呈常规球形纳米粒子的特征,其储能模量和玻璃化转变温度较纯环氧树脂有所提高但幅度不大。     

Cerium incorporating into MCM-41 mesoporous materials for CO oxidation

Ceria doped MCM-41 materials were synthesized by surfactant-assisted hydrothermal and wet impregnation methods. All the obtained Ce-MCM-41 materials were characterized by N₂ physical adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance UV–visible spectroscopy (DRUV–vis), infrared spectroscopy (IR), solid-state cross-polarization magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (CP/MAS-NMR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The catalytic properties were evaluated in CO oxidation under atmospheric pressure and various temperatures. The results showed that in the materials synthesized by hydrothermal method, most of Ce ions were well incorporated in the tetrahedral coordinated sites into the framework of the MCM-41 as Si/Ce molar ratio is 30 and 50. High cerium content may lead to mesostructure partial collapsing and ceria particles segregation. For CO oxidation, the catalytic activity of Ce-MCM-41 synthesized by hydrothermal method was significantly greater than that of the materials prepared by impregnation route. Over the Ce-MCM-41 materials prepared via hydrothermal technique, 100% CO conversion was achieved at 504, 514 and 528 K, respectively, as the Si/Ce molar ratio decreased from 50 to 30 and 10. For the first time, we found an interesting correlation of Q₃ species relative area in the ²⁹Si CP/MAS-NMR spectra of the Ce-MCM-41materials with the reaction rates of CO oxidation, which indicates that both surface hydroxyls and tetrahedral-coordinated Ce⁴⁺ ions in the MCM-41 take important roles in the CO oxidation.     

Electrochemical sensor for detecting ultratrace nitroaromatic compounds using mesoporous SiO2-modified electrode

An electrochemical sensor for ultratrace nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) using mesoporous SiO2 of MCM-41 as sensitive materials is reported. MCM-41 was synthesized and characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and small-angle X-ray diffraction. Glassy carbon electrodes modified with MCM-41 show high sensitivity for cathodic voltammetric detection of NACs (including 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB), 2,4-dinitrotoluene, and 1,3-dinitrobenzene) down to the nanomolar level. The high sensitivity is attributed to the strong adsorption of NACs by MCM-41 and large surface area of the working electrode resulting from MCM-41 modification. The voltammetric response is fast, and the detection of NACs can be finished within 14 s. SiO2 nanospheres were similarly used to modify glassy carbon electrodes for electrochemical detection of TNT and TNB. The detection limit of SiO2 nanosphere-modified electrodes is lower than that of MCM-41-modified electrodes, possibly due to the smaller surface area of SiO2 nanospheres than mesoporous MCM-41. The results show mesoporous SiO2-modified glassy carbon electrodes, particularly MCM-41-modified electrodes, open new opportunities for fast, simple, and sensitive field analysis of NACs.