Sol–gel synthesis of organic–inorganic hybrid materials comprising boehmite, silica, and thiazole dye

A hybrid material was prepared from a boehmite sol and a thiazole derived azo dye. The thiazole azo dyes were subjected to hydrolytic polycondensation with vinyltriethoxysilane, tetraethoxysilane, and aluminium isopropoxide in different ratios to afford a hybrid of boehmite, silica, and the thiazole heterocycle azo dye. The structures of these hybrid materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared analysis, 29Si- and 27Al-nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectrophotometry, and an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The novel hybrid materials comprise boehmite, silica, and heteroaryl thiazole dyes. ► The hybrid materials were synthesized via a sol–gel process with a precursor system. ► Thiazole azo dye can react with vinyltriethoxysilane to obtain hybrid materials. ► High contents of aluminium isopropoxide enhanced the Al–O–Al network structure.