Functionalization of MCM-41 and SBA-15 with controlled morphology

• Main Author: Jane Jessica Wijaya
• Other Authors: Yang Yanhui
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Chemical engineering::Biotechnology
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/15780
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study reports on the synthesis and characterization of the mesoporous materials – MCM-41 and SBA-15 – to be used as adsorbents in protein separation. Spherical diamine-functionalized MCM-41 was synthesized by direct synthesis method, via co-condensation of pre-shaped silica precursor and diamine precursor using a pseudomorphic transformation approach. Various characterization methods were employed to study the properties of the synthesized samples, such as pore ordering, textural parameters; and the incorporation of diamine groups into the MCM-41 framework. Protein adsorption studies were also conducted to investigate the separation efficiency of the two model proteins having different size and charge (lyosozyme and bovine serum albumin) with the functionalized MCM-41 particles. In order to extend the study to a wider range of pore size and surface functionality, diamine- and thiol-functionalized SBA-15 was synthesized by post synthesis method. The physical properties of the samples and the incorporation of the functional groups were characterized. Diamine-functionalized SBA-15 was also synthesized via direct co-condensation method. The effect of aging time on the pore ordering of the synthesized samples was examined.