Sunlight-catalyzed conversion of cyclic organics with novel mesoporous organosilicas

Porphyrin-embedded periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) materials were developed for sunlight-stimulated degradation of cyclic organics. The binding affinity and selectivity of the PMOs act to bring porphyrin and target into close proximity, provide extensive surface area, and a stable substrate for porphyrin immobilization. Aqueous samples incubated with these PMO materials showed a decrease in analyte concentration greater than that expected based on adsorption and uncatalyzed photoconversion during 5 h of sunlight illumination. Both materials show selective binding of TNT over structurally similar compounds such as p-nitrophenol. Template directed molecular imprinting was used in an attempt to increase the selectivity of the catalyst.