Rapid synthesis of a versatile organic/inorganic hybrid material based on pyrogenic silica

An efficient approach has been developed to synthesize a new versatile organo-silica material by non-conventional method (microwave irradiation and ultrasonic vibration) from amorphous pyrogenic silica and has been compared with thermic procedure. The samples were fully characterized by FTIR, solid-state 29Si and 13C CP/MAS NMR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by N2-sorption isotherms measurements. The functionalization of silicon dioxide by 4-(chloromethylphenyl) trichlorosilane has been easily achieved by ultrasound irradiation in a very short time with high loading of organic fragments. Significant different sizes of pores were observed according to conventional or non-conventional synthesis procedure. In addition, new structural properties have been created with the emergence of a mesoporosity.

Graphical abstractVersatile derivative of pyrogenic silica are synthesized by ultrasonic irradiation in a very short time and with high loading of organic fragments. The emergence of a mesoporosity is observed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (56 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Amorphous fumed silica is functionalized by chlorobenzylated group. ► Chlorobenzylated silica is obtained by non-conventional methods. ► The ultrasonic procedure is the most convenient method. ► The chlorobenzylated silica is mesoporous.