Effects of Functionalization on Photo-Actuatable Octa(dimethylsiloxy)silsesquioxane-Azobenzene Network Gels and their Substance Loading and Unloading Efficiencies

30 August 2024, Version 3
This content is a preprint and has not undergone peer review at the time of posting.

Abstract

The synthesis, characterization, analysis, and effect on solvent uptake of styrene, alcohol, amino, and perfluoro functionalized silsesquioxane-azobenzene hybrid gels are discussed. 4,4’-diallyloxyazobenzene and octa(dimethylsiloxy)silsesquioxane (Q8M8H) gels are generated using hydrosilylation chemistry. These gels were modified through two routes: in-situ and post-synthesis modification, depending on the compatibility of the modifiers. The dynamic gel systems react to visible and UV light to expand and contract, giving them sponge-like properties. The general characteristics of each gel are illustrated through UV-Vis, ATR-FTIR, TGA, NMR, and SEM imaging. Effects on their solvent uptake load and preference for various solvents/pollutants are detailed below, and notable findings include preferences of the styrene material for aromatics, perfluoro for THF, and alcohol for acetone. This is accompanied by a low affinity for water, enabling them to remove organic solvents and particulate from water. We find that selectivity for certain substances can be obtained but at the cost of total absorptivity of the gel systems.

Keywords

Silsesquioxane
Environmental Remediation
Photo-actuators
Azobenzene
Smart Gels
Organogels

Supplementary materials

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Description
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Supplementary Information
Description
Table of full photo-induced actuations
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