Synthesis and characterization of SBA-15 materials functionalized with olefinic groups and subsequent modification through oxidation procedures

The synthesis of alkenyl-SBA-15 materials has been carried out through different methodologies. The direct-synthesis method used for the functionalization of SBA-15 involving the co-condensation of the alkenyl-silicon precursor together with silicon alkoxides is clearly superior than any other post-synthetic pathway, even if acid catalysts are used to drive the post-synthetic grafting of olefin groups. The direct-synthesis methodology has been deeply studied within this work, involving the influence of the silica precursor prehydrolysis time, and the loading of different olefin-silanes on the quality of the mesostructure. Small olefinic functionalities, like vinyl groups, can be incorporated in a very efficient manner up to achieve organic loadings as high as 50% mole of the olefin precursor to TEOS. The modification of these alkenyl groups through oxidation can be accomplished through post-synthetic oxidation of the olefinic group or even through an in situ methodology where the oxidant – hydrogen peroxide – is added together with the rest of the precursor into the synthesis gel to lead complete oxidation of the double bonds towards glycolic functionalities. The resultant materials show potential as hydrophilic adsorbents and catalytic supports.