Synthesis of Nanosiliceous Zeolite and its Functionalization with Silane Derivatives
A nanosiliceous zeolite has been synthesized using hydrothermal method. Theoretically, nanosiliceous zeolite contains a lot of silanol group which allow the functionalization process for surface modification. Siliceous zeolite of the type silicalite (Sil) has been synthesized hydrothermally at 150°C for 4 days. The silicalite material was then functionalized with silane derivatives i.e 3–(triethoxysilyl)–propylamine (APTES), octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and (3–mercaptopropyl)–trimethoxysilane (MPTS) using post–synthesis method. XRD results showed the formation of silicalite phase crystallinity. The FTIR result showed that Sil–OTS gave the highest intensity of the vibration assigned for silane derivative, followed by Sil–APTES and Sil–MPTS. The BET surface area of the functionalized–Sil decreased, showing the attachment of silane derivatives to silicalite has occurred. FESEM results showed sheet of hexagonal stick together to form granule–like crystal morphology of functionalized–Sil samples with larger particle size was observed for Sil–OTS, followed by Sil–APTES and Sil–MPTS after functionalization process. The functionalized–Sil sample is expected to be a good support for chemosensor molecules.