Abstract
Novel SBA-15 type hybrid mesoporous silica (Pheo-SBA) was synthesized by co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and a chlorophyll derivative possessing triethoxysilyl group (APTES-Pheo) in order to mimic partly the antenna complex in photosynthesis. The powder XRD pattern of Pheo-SBA showed the retention of a hexagonal structure. However, the visible absorption spectra of Pheo-SBA varied with the degree of the partial hydrolysis of TEOS. When TEOS was not hydrolyzed, the spectrum of the product exhibited the absorption band at 710 nm assignable to the aggregates of Pheo. On the other hand, when TEOS was prehydrolyzed, the absorption spectrum of the product did not show the band at 710 nm, and the profile was similar to that of a solution of Pheo. The results revealed that the dispersibility of the pigments was strongly influenced by the degree of partial hydrolysis of TEOS.
