Hydrogen bond driven supramolecular assemblies during hybrid mesoporous silica films structuration

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Understanding molecular interactions at hybrid interfaces in mesoporous materials is challenging.
• Weak molecular interactions govern interface formation and organic moiety distribution.
• Infrared spectroscopy offers insights into molecular architecture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically investigate the molecular architecture of hybrid interfaces in mesoporous films.
• To elucidate the role of ureidopropyl (UP) groups and hydrogen bonding in film structuration.
• To compare UP-based materials with phenylureido (PhU)-based materials.

Main Methods:

• In situ functionalization of mesoporous films with ureidopropyl (UP) groups.
• Systematic investigation using infrared (IR) spectroscopy.
• Comparative analysis of UP and PhU precursor-derived films.

Main Results:

• Formation of stable ureido-silanol and ureido-ureido hydrogen bonds during film structuration.
• Hydrogen bonds remained intact after template extraction and variations in UP concentration.
• Precursor structure significantly influences hydrogen bond architecture and mesostructure.
• Dual-functionality probes enable characterization via IR and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Conclusions:

• Stable hydrogen bonds are critical for the molecular architecture of UP-functionalized mesoporous films.
• Precursor design is key to controlling hydrogen bonding and material organization.
• Dual-functionality probes are effective tools for hybrid material characterization.