Publication Date:
2014-02-01
Description:
Selective adsorption of large organic molecules is controlled by switchable azobenzene-based molecules. The azobenzene molecules change their configuration after irradiation with light of 365 nm from the trans to the cis isomer. The light-induced process occurs in the pore-system of the mesoporous silica SBA-15. A new synthetic route is presented allowing a distinct control of the density of functionalization on the inner pore walls of SBA-15. This control may lead to more possible applications of the functionalized mesoporous silica material. Herein we show that the behavior of the silica matrix depends on the density of functionalization. The density of the azobenzene functionalization in SBA-15 enables the selective up-take of different dye molecules. Not only the density is responsible for the selective up-take but also the configuration ( cis or trans ) of the azobenzene units in the pores. Furthermore dependences concerning the release of the embedded dye molecules are observed.
Print ISSN:
0044-2313
Electronic ISSN:
1521-3749
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Permalink
