Acid/Base Functionalized Hybrid Porous Materials: Potential Catalysts for Industrially Important Chemical Transformation

Abstract

Mesoporous, ordered MCM-48, MCM-41 and SBA-15, types of siliceous materials are demanding for their applications in various fields, particularly in the catalysis area. Functionalization of these materials with different substitutes increases their acceptability in the chemical industry. A series of acid/base functionalized porous materials were synthesized and thoroughly characterized to confirm their functionalization. Catalytic behaviour was studied in transesterification of triacetin using methanol. Acidity and basicity were estimated using TG-DTA and correlated their catalytic activities. Accessibility of active sites was also estimated by calculating turn over frequency. Comparison between acid and base functionalized materials was performed.