Porous organic–inorganic hybrid aerogels based on bridging acetylacetonate

• Organic–inorganic hybrid aerogels with high micro- and mesoporosity were prepared from Al(acac)3/Cr(acac)3 subunits.
• Heterometallic aerogels were prepared.
• The aerogels have relatively hydrophobic pore surface.
• The aerogels show ability to absorb various guest molecules.

Organic–inorganic hybrid aerogels are receiving growing attention due to their high tuneability. In this contribution a novel type of organic–inorganic hybrid aerogels with high micro- and mesoporosity have been prepared successfully from a bridging bis(acetylacetonate) ligand, 3,4-diacetyl-2,5-dioxohexane, and trivalent metal ions (Al3+ and Cr3+). The metal-acetylacetonate aerogels compose of nanoscale metal-organic particles, which aggregate to form the gel matrix. N2 sorption shows that the aerogels have high BET surface areas up to ∼1100 m2 g−1 and hierarchical porosity. The porosity can be altered by introducing of second divalent metal ions into the aerogel. The aerogels show ability to adsorb various gases (H2, CO2 and CH4) and vapors (MeOH and EtOH). Water sorption measurements reveal that the aerogels have relatively hydrophobic pore surface.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide