Functionalization of arrays of silica nanochannels by post-condensation

Functionalized arrays of silica nanochannels (ASNCs) were prepared by post-condensation of amino-functional alkoxysilanes (NH-silanes). The method of post-condensation combines postsynthetic grafting and co-condensation – the classical pathways for the functionalization of mesoporous silica – to afford a convenient one-pot reaction in aqueous medium. The structure of the NH-silanes determines the distribution of the surface-bound groups in the ASNCs. Accumulation at the channel entrances was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy in the case of sterically hindered NH-silanes, whereas smaller NH-silanes led to a more uniform distribution. In all cases, the channels remained accessible for additional postsynthetic treatment or introduction of guests after extraction of the structure-directing agent. The particle size and morphology, as well as the pore size and the degree of ordering of the amino-functionalized ASNCs were comparable to pristine ASNCs.