Layered hybrid materials with nanotechnological applications: use of disilane precursors as pillaring agents

A new family of layered organic-inorganic hybrid materials was synthesized using bridged silsesquioxane compounds (disilanes) as pillars which are intercalated between magadiite layers. The organic-inorganic precursors react with the surface silanol groups of the inorganic layers of silicate, bonding covalently with them. The preparation process was followed by DRX and the presence of organic linkers was confirmed by chemical and thermogravimetrical analyses, 13C and 29Si NMR spectroscopy. Micro and mesoporosity were also generated due to the existence of interlayer galleries. The layered hybrid materials exhibited thermally stable networks. The resultant materials can be of interest as acid or basic catalysts, sensors and for non linear optics.