One step synthesis of organofunctionalized transition metal containing meso- and macroporous silica spheres

Hydrophobic mesoporous silica spheres containing transition metals coordinatively bound to aminosilane groups are synthesized in a one-step procedure from functionalized silicon alkoxides. In situ IR spectroscopy shows the presence of amino groups in the solid. These amino groups are critical to bind transition metals such as Co, Cu, Fe, Mn or V by complexation. The accessibility of the transition metals is shown by IR spectra of adsorbed CO. The method described provides a scalable approach to synthesize tailored transition metal containing structured micro and mesoporous organofunctionalized silica spheres, which show great potential for catalytic applications.