Synthesis of amino acid block-copolymer imprinted chiral mesoporous silica and its acoustically-induced optical Kerr effects

Chiral mesoporous SiO2 (CMS) have been synthesized and studied the Acoustically-Induced Optical Kerr Effects (AIOKE) and the results have been compared with non-chiral mesoporous silica. The CMS with controllable pore sizes (of ∼3 nm) and high surface areas of ca. 650 m2g−1 was synthesized by mimicking the intrinsic chirality of the amino acid block copolymers. The chiral mesoporous materials were characterized through HRTEM, BET, small-angle XRD, 29Si-NMR and circular dichroism. AIOKE measurements have been performed using an Er:glass 20 ns laser with a 10 Hz frequency repetition. The optimal AIOKE results of the CMS were achieved for 9.7% of the chromophore in the matrices. We found that the AIOKE for the CMS mimicked with chiral block copolymers is quite high compared to the non-chiral SiO2. A difference in AIOKE for these two compounds is observed, enabling CMS that can be used for the design of the acoustically-operated quantum electronic devices.

Novel chiral mesoporous SiO2 (CMS) is showing Acoustically-Induced Optical Kerr Effects (AIOKE). Different in AIOKE of two mesoporous materials is observed, enabling CMS can be used for the design of the acoustically-operated quantum electronic devices. Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Chiral mesoporous SiO2 (CMS) synthesized with amino acid block copolymers.
► The Acoustically-induced Optical Kerr Effects (AIOKE) of chiral mesoporous SiO2 studied.
► AIOKE very high for CMS compared to non chiral SiO2.
► CMS can be used in acoustically-operated quantum electronic devices.