Anchoring of Functional Dye Molecules in MCM-41 by Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Cocondensation

Covalent anchoring of functional dyes in the pores of a mesoporous silicate host Si-MCM-41 (shown in the picture) is achieved with the microwave-assisted cocondensation presented here. The short reaction time (20 min) ensures that no dye degrades during the hydrothermal synthesis.