Inclusion chemistry in periodic mesoporous hosts

This review provides an overview of different aspects of inclusion chemistry in ordered mesoporous host materials such as MCM-41 or MCM-48 (Mobil codes). A rich field of inclusion chemistry has been explored in this context, including sorption, ion exchange, imbibition followed by reduction, grafting of reactive metal alkoxides, halides etc., grafting of silane coupling agents (sometimes followed by subsequent reactions), grafting of reactive metal complexes, and polymerization in the channels. Finally, co-condensation of reactive species during the mesopore synthesis is a method to incorporate functionality into the walls of the channel system. Important applications of these modified and functionalized systems are heterogeneous catalysis and photocatalysis involving bulky grafted catalysts and/or the conversion of large substrates. Other potential applications include ion exchange and separations, removal of heavy metals, chromatography, stabilization of quantum wires, stabilization of dyes, and polymer composites.