Hybrid organic-inorganic nanoparticles with associated functionality for catalytic transformation of biomass substrates.

We present the one-pot synthesis of functionalized organosilica nanoparticles to generate multi-functional hybrid catalysts. Octadecyl, alkyl-thiol and alkyl-amino moieties were used separately and in different combinations, to generate different hybrid spherical nanoparticles with tunable acidic, basic and amphiphilic properties, covalently incorporating up to three organic functional elements onto the surface of the nanoparticles. Several parameters were optimised such as the concentration of the base employed during the hydrolysis and condensation synthesis process that showed a strong influence on the particle size. The physico-chemical properties of the hybrid materials were fully characterized by XRD, elemental and thermogravimetric analysis, electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption isotherms and C and Si NMR spectroscopy. Finally, the potential uses of the prepared materials as amphiphilic catalysts, with acidic or basic properties for the conversion of biomass molecules into platform chemicals were evaluated.