Synthesis and Characterization of Iron(III) 2,2'-Bipyridine Complex Functionalized MCM-41 Molecular Sieves

The modification of the inner surface walls of mesoporous MCM-41 molecular sieves with γ-aminopropyl yielded amine groups functional MCM-41. Iron(Ⅲ) 2'2-bipyridine complex grafted onto the functional MCM-41 via the coordination of iron ion with grafted amine group. The complex functionalized MCM-41 was characterized by XRD, N2 sorption at 77K, and solid state diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy as well as cyclic voltammetry (CV). It has low crystalline and the BET surface areas, pore volume and main pore diameters decreased shapely compared to MCM-41 because of the introduction of γ-aminopropyl and [Fe(bipy)2]3+. Furthermore, the spectra of UV-vis and CV studies suggested the nature and electroactivity of iron ion complex functionalized MCM-41 differed from iron ion complex impregnated MCM-41.