Molecular dynamics modelling of tethered organics in confined spaces

A computational method for constructing and evaluating the dynamic behaviour of functionalised hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) MCM-41 models is reported. HMS with three pore diameters (1.7, 2.2 and 2.9 nm) were prepared, and, from these, two series of derivative structures were constructed - one with 1,3-diphenylpropyl (DPP) tethers and the other with smaller dimethylsilyl (DMS) tethers attached to the mesopores' internal surfaces. Comparison with experimental data shows that simulation results correctly predict the maximum tether density that can be achieved for each tether and each pore diameter. For the smaller pore models, the extent of DPP functionalisation that can be achieved is limited by the available pore volume. However, for the larger pore model, the extent of functionalisation is limited by access to potentially reactive sites on the pore surface. The dynamic behaviour of the models was investigated over a range of temperatures (240-648 K). At lower temperatures (<400 K), the mobility of DPP tethers in the 2.9 nm model is actually less than that observed in either the 2.2 nm model or the 1.7 nm model due to the extensive non-bonded interactions that are able to develop between tethers and the silica surface at this diameter. At higher temperatures, the free ends of these tethers break away from the surface, extend further into the pore space and the DPP mobility in the 2.9 nm model is higher than in the smaller pore systems.