One-pot synthesis of hybrid mesoporous xerogels starting with linear polymethylhydrosiloxane and bridged bis-(trimethoxysilyl)ethane

A convenient one-pot synthesis pathway for hybrid mesoporous xerogels is presented. Hybrid xerogels with organic groups embedded in and anchored onto a framework were facilely prepared using 1,2-bis(trimethoxysilyl)-ethane (BTME) and polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) as organosilica precursors in the absence of traditional structure-directing agents; and the dependence of textural characteristics on PMHS usage in the syntheses was investigated in detail. As-prepared hybrid materials were characterized by solid state 13C cross polarization (CP)/29Si magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C CP/29Si MAS NMR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and hydrophobicity tests. It was shown that the representative hybrid materials possessed a significant hydrophobic interface and stable framework structure, and high porosity with tunable high specific surface areas and pore volumes. This kind of hybrid material may find potential applications in the separation/adsorption of organic substances, controllable delivery of hydrophobic drugs, and specific surface coatings due to its fascinating properties and designable synthesis pathway.

A convenient one-pot pathway to obtain versatile hybrid solids with tunable porous properties using BTME and polymeric PMHS as co-precursors is demonstrated.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Fascinating function of linear PMHS under employed sol–gel conditions.
► Demonstration of convenient one-pot pathway towards porous hybrid materials with tailored textural characteristics.
► Potential applications of PMHS-like chemicals in the fabrication of task-specific functional materials.