Intercalation of silanes by ion imprinting method for improving hydrothermal stability of mesoporous silica

Hydrothermal stability of mesoporous silica was improved by intercalation of CuAAPTS (3-(2-aminoethylamino) propyltrimethoxysilane, AAPTS) complex by means of ion imprinting method. The ion imprinting method involves ion exchange of Cu(AAPTS)22+ complex and covalent bond formation with surface silanol group, removing Cu2+ ion by protonation reaction with nitric acid, and decomposition of AAPTS by calcination. The improved hydrothermal stability by CuAAPTS modification is attributed to the highly crosslinked silica “pillars” as a result of condensation of AAPTS and surface silanol groups by means of covalent bonding; and hydrophobic surfaces without alteration of the wall thickness of MCM-41.

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► Mesoporous silica with improved steam stability at 760 °C.
► Intercalation of AAPTS inside mesoporous channel by ion imprinting method.
► Improving hydrothermal stability due to pillars of crosslinking silica and hydrophobicity.