Optically functional nanocomposites with poly(oxyethylene)-based di-ureasils and mesoporous MCM-41

Di-urea cross-linked poly(oxyethylene) (POE)/siloxane hybrid structure (di-ureasil) was incorporated into the hexagonal array of one-dimensional channels of mesoporous silica MCM-41. X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy, 29Si and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence results demonstrate the interaction (covalent grafting and impregnation) between the di-ureasil structure and the silanol groups of the MCM-41 channels, preserving their integrity. The composites are photoluminescent displaying the intrinsic green emission of MCM-41 superposed to the blue and purplish-blue di-ureasil components. Time-resolved spectroscopy provides further support from energy transfer between the mesopourous silica and the di-ureasil matrix.