Synthesis of mesoporous silica materials functionalized with n-propyl groups

Mesoporous siliceous materials with MCM-41 and MCM-48 pore architecture were functionalized by the grafting of n-propyl groups to the silica network using two routes: post-synthesis treatment of pure silica and direct grafting by a co-condensation process. XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption measurements and 29Si solid state NMR were used to investigate the influence of the spatial pore arrangement (hexagonal and cubic, respectively) on the functionalization procedure. Different grafting rates were observed depending on the surfactant removal procedure, the nature of the material and the grafting process.