Novel Sol−Gel-Derived Material for Separation and Optical Sensing of Metal Ions: Propyl-ethylenediamine Triacetate Functionalized Silica

A novel organically modified silica material has been prepared by sol−gel processing. The material incorporates an organic substituent, propyl-ethylenediamine triacetate, which is linked to the silica matrix covalently. This optically transparent material has been characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectroscopy. Its binding capability with various metal ions has been examined. The material is porous, and almost all the covalently linked organic substituents are active in the pore space. It can be processed into monoliths or coated as thin films of widely variable shapes. The usefulness of this material as a stationary phase for chromatographic separation of metal ions has been demonstrated. The feasibility of this material as a chemical recognition phase for optical sensing of Cu 2+ has also been illustrated. The material is highly stable and highly resistant to leaching of the organic modifier.