Synthesis and characterization of functionalized mesostructured silicas with acid sulphonic groups

Abstract

Hexagonal (MCM-41, SBA-15, and HMS) and cubic (MCM-48) mesostructured silicas were synthesized and functionalized with the propylsulphonic acid group, by grafting and co-condensation methods. Structural conformation, physical-chemistry characterization, and morphology of the materials was performed by XRD, FT-IR, TGA, and SEM techniques. Higher functionalization degrees were reached by co-condensation method, for MCM-48 and SBA-15 mesophases. These higher functionalization degrees lead to less thermally and structurally stable materials than those obtained by the grafting method.