Novel sol-gel-derived material for separation and optical sensing of metalions: Propyl-ethylenediamine triacetate functionalized silica

A novel organically modified silica material has been prepared by sol-gel p rocessing. The material incorporates an organic substituent, propyl-ethylen ediamine triacetate, which is linked to the silica matrix covalently. This optically transparent material has been characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectroscopy. Its binding capability with various met al ions has been examined. The material is porous, and almost all the coval ently linked organic substituents are active in the pore space. It can be p rocessed into monoliths or coated as thin films of widely variable shapes. The usefulness of this material as a stationary phase for chromatographic s eparation of metal ions has been demonstrated. The feasibility of this mate rial as a chemical recognition phase for optical sensing of Cu2+ has also b een illustrated. The material is highly stable and highly resistant to leac hing of the organic modifier.