Preparation and characterization of copolymerized aminopropyl/phenylsilsesquioxane microparticles

Poly(aminopropyl/phenyl)silsesquioxane (PAPSQ) microparticles with approximately 350 nm diameter were conveniently synthesized from the hydrolytic co-condensation of γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) and phenyltriethoxysilane (PTES) in the presence of ethanol and water (EtOH–H2O) by using tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH) catalysts. Hybrid compositions of PAPSQ containing both aminopropyl and phenyl groups were confirmed from FT-IR, 29Si CP-MAS NMR, TGA. XRD patterns indicated that a certain ordered structure existed in PAPSQ molecules. Contents of amino groups of PAPSQ were determined by elemental analysis and back titration. Specific surface areas were evaluated through BET method. PAPSQ offers the potential utility as building blocks for diverse and novel organic/inorganic materials.