Molecular chemistry and nanosciences: on the way to interactive materials

Abstract

This article is focused on mesoporous hybrid organic–inorganic materials prepared in the presence of structure-directing agents. We attempt to show that they are currently the best supports for exploring polyfunctional materials, which can provide a route to interactive materials. We define interactive materials as nanomaterials of which two properties are in a position to interact with one another. For the purpose of constructing such materials, we describe the functionalization of the channel pores of ordered mesoporous silica, the silica framework and the functionalisation of both, either successively or simultaneously. This last route could allow the preparation of materials coupling two physical properties, located on the nanometric range—one in the channel pores and the other in the silica framework—which could present unexpected interactions. This approach requires a mastery of the chemistry for the preparation of the appropriate precursors as well as of the structure.