Alternative synthetic approach to large molecule intercalation in V2O5 xerogels

The intercalation of a stilbazolium chromophore in V2O5·nH2O xerogels was successfully performed at room temperature in ethanolic solution. The existence of strong interactions between the host lattice and both reaction solvent and guest molecule was ascertained by structural and optical studies. The use of catalytic amounts of tetramethylammonium was demonstrated to improve both reaction kinetics and the structural order of the hybrid material.