Application of clickable nanoporous silica surface for immobilization of ionic liquids

A clickable surface was prepared using nanoporous SBA-15 support. Methylimidazolium, an ionic liquid, was immobilized on this surface through the click reaction. Detailed characterization using nitrogen adsorption, elemental analysis, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis showed that the ionic system was fixed inside the channels and the ordered porous structure remained stationary. Influence of this material on photoluminescence emission of 5-amino-4-hydroxy-7-sulfonaphthalene-2-sulfonate anion (H-acid) in aqueous solutions was evaluated. This click reaction product can be used effectively for H-acid removal from wastewater.