Selective surface functionalization and metal deposition in the micropores of mesoporous silica SBA-15

A procedure for the selective surface functionalization of the mesopores and micropores of mesoporous silica SBA-15 has been developed. The resulting bifunctional material has been used to incorporate Pd nanoparticles in the micropores. The method described provides a general route for creating different local environments within the nanometer-sized pore structure and for the selective deposition of guest species in the micropores of this type of bimodal porous materials.