Improved deposition and deprotection of silane tethered 3,4 hydroxypyridinone (HOPO) ligands on functionalized nanoporous silica

An improved synthesis of a 3,4 hydroxypyridinone (HOPO) functionalized mesoporous silica is described. Higher 3,4-HOPO monolayer ligand loadings have been achieved, resulting in better performance. Performance improvements were demonstrated with the capture of U(VI) from human blood, plasma and filtered river water.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Improvements made in the deprotection chemistry of 3,4-HOPO ligands bound to a silica surface. ► First demonstration of deposition of unprotected 3,4 HOPO directly onto silica surface. ► Notable improvement for collection of U from human blood, plasma and river water.