Co-condensation Of Tetraethylorthosilicate Research Articles

Magnetic mesoporous Fe3O4@nSiO2@mSiO2 nanoparticles for high-throughput mass spectrometry detection of hydrolyzed products of organophosphorus nerve agents.

Rapid and accurate detection of hydrolyzed products of organophosphorus nerve agents (OPNAs) is an important method to effectively confirm the use of these agents. OPNAs are rapidly hydrolyzed to the methyl phosphonates (MPs) in the environment, which can be used as environmental traceability marker for OPNAs. Herein, magnetic mesoporous materials combined with real-time in situ mass spectrometry (MS) were used to achieve high-throughput detection of MPs. Novel magnetic mesoporous nanoparticles Fe3O4@nSiO2@mSiO2 were synthesized via co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) on the surface of nonporous silica-coated Fe3O4 under alkaline conditions. CTAB templates were removed by the reflux of ethanol (0.0375 mM ammonium nitrate) to form mesoporous SiO2, which has a large specific surface area of 549 m2 g-1 and an excellent magnetization strength of 59.6 emu g-1. A quick, cost-effective, rugged, and safe magnetic preparation method, magnetic QuEChERS, was established with magnetic mesoporous nanoparticles (Fe3O4@nSiO2@mSiO2) as adsorption materials for direct analysis in real-time and tandem MS (DART-MS/MS) of MPs in environmental samples. The method exhibits good linearity (R2 > 0.992) in the range of 20.0-4.00 μg mL-1, the limits of detection were <5.00 ng mL-1, the limits of quantification were <20.0 ng mL-1, and the extraction recoveries were 70.2-98.1%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) in the range of 1.97-10.6%. Additionally, using this method, analysis of 70 environmental samples could be completed within 20 min. Then, the M-QuEChERS-DART-MS/MS method was applied to the 52nd Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) environmental spiked samples analysis, where the accuracy was 95.2-116%, and the RSD was 1.16-7.83%. The results demonstrated that Fe3O4@nSiO2@mSiO2 based on the QuEChERS method can quickly and efficiently remove the matrix of environmental samples and when coupled with the DART-MS/MS can achieve high-throughput determination of MPs in environmental samples.

Surface Modification of Silica Particles with Adhesive Functional Groups or Their Coating with Chitosan to Improve the Retention of Toothpastes in the Mouth.

Silica is widely used in the oral care formulations to act as an abrasive and to give the products its distinct physical properties. In this study, silica particles were synthesized using a co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate with a series of functional silane compounds [(3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane, (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, and (3-acryloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane)]. The surface of the particles based on tetraethyl orthosilicate and (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane was then further modified with 3-aminophenylboronic acid. Commercial Aerosil R972 Pharma silica particles were also coated with chitosan. Additionally, commercially available (3-maleimido)propyl-functionalized silica particles were used in this study. All these functionalized silica particles were incorporated into toothpaste formulations, and their retentive properties were tested on ex vivo sheep tongue mucosa models using fluorescent microscopy-based flow-through techniques. Those surfaces with chitosan, phenylboronic acid, and acryloyl groups were shown to provide a significant improvement in the retention of the oral care formulations during the retention testing. The retention of toothpastes containing silica functionalized with maleimide and thiol groups was also superior compared to that of unmodified silica particles. This study synthesized and tested a range of silica particles and demonstrated that the functionalized silica incorporated into toothpastes can significantly improve the retention of these formulations on oral mucosal surfaces.

Novel Organochlorinated Xerogels: From Microporous Materials to Ordered Domains.

Hybrid silica xerogels combine the properties of organic and inorganic components in the same material, making them highly promising and versatile candidates for multiple applications. They can be tailored for specific purposes through chemical modifications, and the consequent changes in their structures warrant in-depth investigation. We describe the synthesis of three new series of organochlorinated xerogels prepared by co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and chloroalkyltriethoxysilane (ClRTEOS; R = methyl [M], ethyl [E], or propyl [P]) at different molar ratios. The influence of the precursors on the morphological and textural properties of the xerogels was studied using 29Si NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), N2, and CO2 adsorption, XRD (X-ray Diffraction), and FE-SEM (Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy). The structure and morphology of these materials are closely related to the nature and amount of the precursor, and their microporosity increases proportionally to the molar percentage of ClRTEOS. In addition, the influence of the chlorine atom was investigated through comparison with their non-chlorinated analogues (RTEOS, R = M, E, or P) prepared in previous studies. The results showed that a smaller amount of precursor was needed to detect ordered domains (ladders and T8 cages) in the local structure. The possibility of coupling self-organization with tailored porosity opens the way to novel applications for this type of organically modified silicates.

Sulfonic Acid Supported on Magnetic Methylene-Based Organosilica as an Efficient and Recyclable Nanocatalyst for Biodiesel Production via Esterification

In this paper, a novel sulfonic acid containing magnetic methylene-based organosilica with core-shell structure (Fe3O4@OS-SO3H) is synthesized, characterized and its catalytic application is investigated for biodiesel production via esterification of carboxylic acids with alcohols. The Fe3O4@OS-SO3H was synthesized via co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)methane (BTEM) around magnetite nanoparticles. The Fe3O4@OS-SO3H nanocatalyst was characterized by using FT-IR, PXRD, TGA, VSM, TEM and SEM techniques. The catalytic study showed that the Fe3O4@OS-SO3H nanocomposite can be used as an effective, powerful, selective and recyclable catalyst for the esterification of carboxylic acids with alcohols at 70 °C under solvent-free conditions. This nanocatalyst was recovered and reused several times without significant decrease in efficiency and stability.

Investigation on particle properties and extent of functionalization of silica nanoparticles

Quantification of the extent of functionalization on silica nanoparticle surface is crucial in a variety of applications. This work aims to evaluate particle properties and extent of functionalization on silica nanoparticles synthesized under acidic and basic conditions via co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane in the sol-gel process. The silica nanoparticles properties were analyzed via field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller methods; whereas, the extent of functionalization was evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, and thermogravimetric analyzer. Results showed that the functionalized silica nanoparticles have a lower tendency to agglomerate and highly monodispersed as compared to unfunctionalized. The surface areas of acid and base-catalyzed nanoparticles were obtained as 618.8 and 514.7 m2/g, respectively. FTIR spectra, XPS scans, and TGA curves confirmed the presence of alkyl and amine functional groups on the functionalized surfaces. The extent of functionalization (N/Si) was obtained as 0.296 and 0.196, and the percentages of functional groups attached on the surface were found to be 6.80 and 5.92% for acid and base-catalyzed nanoparticles, respectively. The overall results suggest that acidic catalysis is a better approach for the synthesis of surface-modified or organofunctionalized silica nanoparticles.

Silica Mesoporous Materials -an Efficient Sorbent for Wine Polyphenols Separation

Highly ordered-pore SBA-15 was synthesized by co-condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) using an amphiphilic block copolymer as structure-directing agent. The BET, EDX, TGA-DSC and SEM analysis have been used for sorbent characterization. The adsorption properties of the calcined mesoporous silica SBA-15 material appears to be a consequence of the silanol groups presence that are active sites for adsorption, were evaluated in the clarification process of two types of red wines. The purpose of this study was the investigation of the total polyphenols content (reduction), the selectivity and stabilization for some compounds (phenolic acids, epicatechin, and catechin) and the chromatic characteristics of wine. HPLC chromatograms exhibit the retention of quercetin and trans-resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin, rutin, and phenolic acids. The decrease in the polyphenolic compounds content in red wines avoids the oxidative browning process without modification of wine color. Due to their beneficial to human health thanks to antioxidative, antiinflamatory, antiviral, cardioprotective, anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic properties the polyphenolic extract might prove interesting as pharmaconutrients or as dietary sources.

Silica, Mesoporous Silica and Its Thiol Functionalized Silica Coated MgO and Mg(OH)2 Materials

Silica (SiO2) and mesoporous silica (mSiO2) coated magnesium oxide composites were prepared based on hydrolysis and co-condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) in presence of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Functionalization with thiolorganofunctional silane precursor was conducted onto the surface of mesosilica (Scheme 1). Silica coated MgO composites and its thiol functionalized material have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), ultra violet–visible spectra and thermal analysis (TGA). TEM analysis showed that the MgO nanoparticles were encapsulated into the SiO2 or mSiO2 precursors. XRD analysis reveals that magnesium oxide are exist into both forms, cubic MgO-structure and hexagonal Mg(OH)2-structure, which is converted into cubic structure upon silica coating. The mean crystallite size of MgO-NPs remains almost unchanged after coating with silica precursors. TGA and FTIR results indicated that the coated mesosilica layer around magnesium oxide nanoparticles has been successfully grafted by thiolorganofunctional silane groups.

One-pot synthesis of ultrahydrophobic mesoporous silica nanoparticles

Ultrahydrophobic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) were prepared using a simple one-pot synthesis. A template of polystyrene (PS) was simultaneously synthesized during condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Co-condensation of TEOS with trimethyl (fluoromethyl) silane provided core–shell MSNPs with low surface energies. The mesoporous structure of MSNPs after the removal of the PS template was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. Coated on substrates, these fluorinated MSNPs showed oleophobic and ultrahydrophobic characteristics and developed a nanostructure with a rough surface that produced water contact angle as high as 151°. This MSNP synthesis provides a promising method to be used in creating nano-coated materials.

L-Arginine-Catalyzed Synthesis of Nanometric Organosilica Particles through a Waterborne Sol-Gel Process and Their Porous Structure Analysis.

We report an efficient and easy-to-implement waterborne sol-gel process for the synthesis of nanometric organosilica particles. In this process, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and 3-(methacryloxy)propyl trimethoxy silane (γ-MPS), employed as silica sources, were heterogeneously delivered in an aqueous solution of l-arginine, a basic amino acid used as a catalyst, from a top organic layer. Co-condensation of TEOS with γ-MPS led to the formation of organosilica particles with diameters between 30 and 230 nm when increasing the γ-MPS content from 0 to 10.1 mol % in the silica source. Nitrogen sorption analyses confirmed the microporous nature of the obtained particles after calcination. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas increased from 27 (before calcination) to 684 m2 g-1 (after calcination) for the organosilica particles containing 10.1 mol % of γ-MPS. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 29Si NMR were employed to analyze the chemical structure of the organosilica spheres and provide insight into the mechanism of particle formation. In the second part, hybrid organosilica particles with a core-shell morphology were synthesized through the combination of Pickering emulsion and the sol-gel process. γ-MPS emulsion droplets stabilized by tiny silica particles (formed in a separate step) were first generated and used as seeds to grow a silica shell on their surface through TEOS addition from the top organic layer. Transmission electron microscopy and pore size analyses of the resulting particles after calcination revealed a unique dual-porosity structure with a mesoporous inner core and a micro/mesoporous silica shell with ink-bottle-type pores.

Facile synthesis of diamine-functionalized hollow mesoporous silica sphere with self-templating method

A new N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine-functionalized hollow mesoporous silica sphere (DA-HMSS) was synthesized by a two-step self-templating method, including hydrolysis and co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate and N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine in the presence of ammonia solution and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, following with hydrothermal incubation in pure water after the removal of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide. The successful formation of silica framework and incorporation of organic component in DA-HMSS were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and solid-state 29Si cross-polarization/magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic measurements as well as CHN elemental analysis. The hollow morphology of DA-HMSS was revealed by transmission electron microscopy, whereas its porosity was disclosed by nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm measurement. Furthermore, its carbon dioxide adsorption capability was also investigated.

Rational design and synthesis of aldehyde-functionalized mesoporous SBA-15 for high-performance ammonia sensor

Herein, we report novel ammonia gas sensor materials having aldehyde functional groups grafted onto the pore surface of highly ordered mesoporous materials SBA-15. The functional SBA-15 was synthesized via co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate and formylsilanetriol using an amphiphilic block copolymer P123 as a structure-directing agent, in which formylsilanetriol was first synthesized through the reduction of 2-cyanoethyltriethoxysilane in the presence of diisobutylaluminium hydride. Structural and textural characterizations by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and N2 adsorption–desorption porosimetry were conducted and the results show the materials having well-defined mesoporous long-range ordering with pore size of 6.2nm. Furthermore, FT-IR and solid-state magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies proved covalent anchoring of the aldehyde functional group onto the pore walls of SBA-15. The results indicated that the materials successfully kept their mesoporous nature after grafting of the aldehyde groups. Gas-sensing tests were investigated by coating the aldehyde-functionalized SBA-15 onto quartz crystal microbalance transducers. The results reveal that the sensors can be as promising candidates as ammonia detectors with desirable sensing behaviors, including high sensitivity (the frequency shift was 22Hz at 1ppm and the QCM sensors were exposed to nitrogen stream until a stable baseline (±2Hzmin−1)), fast response (response time within 11s, recovery time within 13s) and good reversibility.

Synthesis and characterization of porous surface molecularly imprinted silica microsphere for selective extraction of ascorbic acid

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with core-shell structure for efficient, reliable, and selective extraction of ascorbic acid (AA) were developed via co-polymerization process based on acrylamide (AM) as a functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as cross-linker, 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) as initiator, and AA as template. The inorganic core comprised of amino-functionalized silica microspheres (AFSM) was prepared by co-condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane) (APTMS) in a water-in-oil (W/O) macroemulsion. The synthesized materials were characterized by IR-ATR, SEM, and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm. The binding properties and selectivity of the AFSM@MIP and AFSM@NIP (i.e., non-imprinted polymers) were demonstrated by adsorption capacity and imprinting factor obtained based on UV–Vis absorption measurements. Furthermore, synthesis conditions were optimized such that imprinting efficiency and adsorption capacity were maximized. Finally, it was demonstrated that generated MIP core-shell hybrid microspheres provide rapid adsorption with high binding capacities (up to 5.08 mg g−1), excellent imprint factors, and exceptional reusability. A comparative study using AFSM@MIP and AFSM@NIP for simultaneous extraction of AA and citric acid (CA), allowed verifying the excellent selectivity of AFSM@MIP, which presented an imprinting factor of 2.30.

The Transformation of Hybrid Silica Nanoparticles from Solid to Hollow or Yolk-Shell Nanostructures.

Here, a facile self-templating approach is presented for synthesis of hollow and yolk-shell mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs and YMSNs) through a selective etching of hybrid silica nanoparticles. The hybrid silica nanoparticles are from the co-condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine (TSD) by a simple one-step process. Two kinds of products including HMSNs and YMSNs can be easily prepared only by tuning the TSD amounts in the precursor. Significantly, the transformation of hollow structure does not use any sacrificial template and surface-protective agent. The etching mechanism and formation process are systematically investigated by SEM, TEM, TG, CHN elemental analysis and Si MAS NMR spectroscopy. The results reveal that the selective etching is mainly attributed to the discrepancy in density between the outer layer and inner area of hybrid silica, where its inner section is more readily dissolved while the outer shell is robust in hydrofluoric acid (HF) aqueous solution. Specifically, the new understanding is further extended to precisely prepare multi-shelled hollow/yolk-shell silica nanoparticles.

Au nanoparticles confined in hybrid shells of silica nanospheres for solvent-free aerobic cyclohexane oxidation

Gold nanoparticles (NPs) confined in hybrid shells of organic linker-assisted silica nanospheres (GOS) have been prepared through a facile approach using organic amino functional groups covalently bound to shells of silica nanospheres for anchoring AuCl4 −. Due to the hydrolysis of urea, the gold precursor was in situ reduced in the hybrid shells of silica nanospheres under desired alkaline and temperature conditions. Organic functional groups (–SiCH2CH2CH2NHCH2CH2NH2) were introduced into shells of silica nanospheres via a co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate and 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl dimethoxymethylsilane. The results indicate that Au NPs with <2 nm diameters were highly dispersed and well confined in the hybrid shells of silica nanospheres through the anchorage of organic functional groups under condensation process. The obtained GOS catalyst exhibited efficient catalytic activity for solvent-free catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane with 94.8% selectivity to cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol (KA oil) and adipic acid under 150 °C, 1.5 MPa O2 for 3 h.

Palladium Nanoparticle Loaded Bifunctional Silica Hybrid Material: Preparation and Applications as Catalyst in Hydrogenation Reactions.

Bifunctional mesoporous silica was prepared by co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) with functionalized organosilanes containing azides or alkoxyamines. Orthogonal functional groups at the particles were selectively addressed in subsequent chemical modifications through "click"-chemistry ("click to ligand" strategy) and radical nitroxide exchange. Palladation with PdCl2 delivered Pd nanoparticle-loaded silica material bearing sulfoxides and additional aminoamides as stabilizing ligands by means of in situ reduction of the PdII -salt. These functional particles were successfully applied to the hydrogenation of alkynes and alkenes. Aldehyde hydrodeoxygenation and benzyl ether cleavage were achieved with these hybrid catalysts under mild conditions. Particles were analyzed by IR, TEM/STEM, EDX, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

Tunable synthesis of hierarchical mesoporous silica via porogen-carrying organosilicates

We describe the synthesis and characterization of hierarchically porous organic-inorganic hybrid silica with periodic 2-D hexagonal order and tunable location of secondary nanopores through co-condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and a new type of amphiphilic organosilicate precursors. Our amphiphilic organosilicates offer unique tunability of secondary micropores by carefully controlled bond molecular structure and number of bonds between hydrophobic adamantylphenols pore-generating moieties and siloxane precursors. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and microscopy results show a good structural order of the organic-inorganic hybrid silica. In addition, 29Si CP-MAS NMR spectra confirm the successful incorporation of organosilicate precursors into a silica framework. The primary cylindrical mesopores (∼6.4 nm) were originated from the cooperative self-assembly of Pluronic P123 triblock copolymer templates while smaller meso-/micropores were derived from adamantylphenols groups. We have previously demonstrated that adam-graft SQ had an affinity for hydrophobic PO core blocks to be located close to PO segment, which resulted in small pores next to primary mesopores and the resultant increment of mesopore size as well as wrinkled silica walls. On the contrary, the secondary small pores were mainly generated within a silica network while the size of the primary mesopores unaffected with the addition of adam-bridge SQ due to its selective incorporation into a silica framework. Moreover, the organic-inorganic hybrid silica prepared with adam-bridge SQ showed higher thermal stability than that of adam-graft SQ and SBA-15 type mesoporous silica. It is attributed to more SiOSi bonds formed from the bridged structure as well as enhanced hydrogen-bonding interaction between adam-bridge SQ hybrid silica and P123 templates.

Ordered and disordered evolution of the pore mesostructure in hybrid silica anti-reflective films obtained by one-pot self-assembly method

Hybrid mesoporous silica films were prepared in acid-catalysed medium using a one-pot self-assembly method. A gradual content of methyl groups was introduced into the inorganic framework by co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate and methyltriethoxysilane. To better understand how the ordered and disordered transition occurs in mesoporous hybrid organosilica sytem as function of the MTES molar ratio in the starting solution, textural, chemical and optical properties of the films were studied by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), grazing-incident small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS), transmission Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and UV–visible spectroscopy. Increasing the loading of the incorporated organic groups (up to 40% in the starting solution) led simultaneously to a disorganization of the pore mesostructure and a reduction in the pore diameter. Concomitantly, a disordered domain of the silica rings in the walls was observed, which created bond strains in the silica wall contributing also to the disorganization of the pore mesostructure. Furthermore, an optimal MTES content was identified in order to obtain antireflection coatings, exhibiting low reflection in the visible range.

Pore size control of porous carbons using novel silica-based copolymer template and their application in supercapacitor

A brand new silica-based copolymer template is developed by co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and (3-methacryloxypropyl)-trimethoxysilane (MPS). The framework morphology and size of this template can be tailored by tuning the MPS concentration. Thus, unimodal mesoporous, bimodal mesoporous and macroporous carbon can be easily obtained by varying the preparation techniques. Meanwhile, the pore size and BET surface area of this carbon can be tuned from 4.3 to 55.0nm, and 779–1649m2/g, respectively. The as-prepared carbon materials with well-controlled pore size distribution are then used as model to investigate the ion transport inside the nanopores. The electrochemical results reveal that the capacitances of carbon materials are positively related to the surface area and the large mesopore or macropore can accelerate ion transport and then lead to enhanced rate performance.

Co-Condensation Assisted Preparation of MoVI Schiff Base Modified Mesoporous Silica Catalyst for Enhanced Epoxidation of Olefins

An organic–inorganic catalyst was prepared by the reaction of p-salicylidine aminobenzoic acid with mesoporous silica modified with 3-chloropropyl groups. The hydrolysis and co-condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane (CPTES) took place during the preparation process. MoO2(acac)2 was then introduced into the mesoporous silica functionalized with a Schiff base ligand. The structural properties of the prepared catalysts were investigated by a series of techniques, such as elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption/desorption curves, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results demonstrated that the MoVI Schiff base complex was successfully tethered on the silica support, and the hexagonally ordered mesoporous structure of the SBA-15-type silica was well retained after the anchoring reaction. The heterogeneous catalyst showed good catalytic activities in the liquid-phase epoxidation of olefins with t-BuOOH as the oxygen source in 1,2-dichloroethane solvent at 80°C. Several important factors, including oxidant-to-substrate ratio, solvent, and catalyst reusability, were investigated. Under the optimum reaction conditions, using this heterogeneous catalyst for the cyclohexene epoxidation reaction, a high conversion of 97.20 % and selectivity of &gt;99 % was achieved after 4 h, while the catalytic activity nearly remained unchanged over four runs.

Color-Tunable Fluorescence and White Light Emission from Mesoporous Organosilicas Based on Energy Transfer from 1,8-Naphthalimide Hosts to Perylenediimide Guests

The present work reports Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from 1,8-naphthalimide (NI) donors bound to the pore walls of mesoporous silicas to perylenediimide (PDI) acceptors doped into the mesochannels. Mesoporous organosilicas containing covalently bound NI were synthesized by co-condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) with N-(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)-1,8-naphthalimide (TEPNI) in the presence of a block copolymer surfactant as a template. The resulting materials were highly ordered, presenting a 2D hexagonal structure, and displayed easily tunable optical properties, which could be controlled by the amount of NI in the sample. A sample prepared from a diluted TEPNI solution (SBANId) presented a blue, monomerlike emission. In contrast, when a concentrated TEPNI solution was used, the resulting material (SBANIc) displayed a green, excimerlike emission. For the FRET studies, N,N′-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenediimide was doped into the pores of the SBANI samples from chloroform so...