The catalytic function of enzymes is mainly a consequence of cooperative interaction between an array of multifunctional groups with substrate/product within nanometer-size confines. One bio-inspired soluble nanocage structure was designed and synthesized by template-directed method with a spherosilicate as a template. The resulted 2 � 5nm � diameter nanocage has the hydrophilic interior with carboxylic acid and silanol groups, and hydrophobic carbosilane shell. The reaction between the nanocage and excess of Co2(CO)8 in toluene afforded orange nanocage-Cox(CO)y specie. 1H NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectra confirmed the complexation of Cox(CO)y by nanocage. Approximate four cobalt per nanocage was calculated based on ICP analysis. The magnetism and EPR study suggested that the formal oxidation state of Co in the nanocage was +1. The catalysis behavior of the Co ions in a nano confinded space was explored. Size and polarity selectivities of the porous amphiphilic shell were also oberserved in this study, comparable with that of other similar structures. 

Study of an amphiphilic poly(organosiloxane) nanocage: Behavior of Co ions in a bio-inspired confined nanoreactor with defined array of multifunctional reactive groups in confined space

247th National Meeting (2014)

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