The derivatization and covalent modification of biomass derived platform chemicals expand the biomass derived chemical spaces allowing for the preparation of new bioactive molecules and materials.

Ordered mesoporous silicas with hexagonal or lamellar architectures incorporating covalently bound ionic species were synthesized via a template directed hydrolysis–polycondensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) with triethoxysilylated imidazole [(EtO)₃Si(CH₂)₃–Im] or alkylimidazolium halides [(EtO)₃Si(CH₂)₃–Im⁺–R Hal⁻].

Mesoporous silica monoliths were prepared by the sol–gel technique and filled with 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium [Emim]-X (X = dicyanamide [N(CN)₂], ethyl sulfate [EtSO₄], thiocyanate [SCN], and triflate [TfO]) ionic liquids (ILs) using a methanol-IL exchange technique. The structure and behavior of the ILs inside the silica monoliths were studied using X-ray scattering, nitrogen sorption, IR spectroscopy, solid-state NMR, and thermal analysis. DSC finds shifts in both the glass transition temperature and melting points (where applicable) of the ILs. Glass transition and melting occur well below room temperature. There is thus no conflict with the NMR and IR data, which show that the ILs are as mobile at room temperature as the bulk (not confined) ILs. The very narrow line widths of the NMR spectra suggest that the ILs in our materials have the highest mobility reported for confined ILs so far. As a result, our data suggest that it is possible to generate IL/silica hybrid materials (ionogels) with bulk-like properties of the IL. This could be interesting for applications in, e.g., the solar cell or membrane fields.

Mesoporous thin films functionalized with silylated β-diketone compounds with symmetry mesostructure dependent on the probe quantity were used as fast uranyl species sensors with high selectivity and sensitivity.