Synthesis and electron spin resonance studies of MCM-41 doped with copper pyridine complexes

Mesoporous MCM-41 materials have been synthesized and loaded with copper pyridine complexes by an ion-exchange procedure. Nitrogen adsorption and X-ray diffraction studies of the parent and loaded MCM-41 materials confirm the incorporation of the copper complexes into the mesopores of the MCM-41 structure. The incorporation status of the organometallic copper complexes is monitored by electron spin resonance and electron spin echo envelope modulation spectroscopy during the preparation procedure. Immobilized isolated copper pyridine complexes as well as agglomerates of complexes have been found in the ion-exchanged mesoporous material.