Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized MCM-41 with Copper– and Manganese–Phenanthroline Complexes

The modification of the internal pore surface of mesoporous MCM-41 with 3-aminopropyl yielded amine group functionalized MCM-41. Copper(II) and manganese(II) phenanthroline complexes were grafted onto the functional MCM-41 via the coordination of the respective metal ion with the amine group. The metal ion complex functionalized mesoporous materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption/desorption at 77 K, solid state diffuse reflectance UV spectroscopy, and electron spin resonance (ESR) at 293 K as well as cyclic voltammetry. Preliminary studies suggested that the nature and electroactivity of metal ion complex functionalized MCM-41 differed significantly from those of metal ion complex impregnated MCM-41.