Multifunctionalized Mesostructured Silica Nanoparticles Containing Mn2 Complex for Improved Catalase-Mimicking Activity in Water

We report the synthesis of a hybrid nanocatalyst obtained through the immobilization of bio-inspired [{Mn(bpy)(H(2)O)}(µ-2-MeC(6)H(4)COO)(2)(µ-O){Mn(bpy)(NO(3))}]NO(3) compound into functionalized, monodispersed, mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The in situ dual functionalization sol–gel strategy adopted here leads to the synthesis of raspberry-shaped silica nanoparticles of ca. 72 nm with a large open porosity with preferential localization of 1,4-pyridine within the pores and sulfobetaine zwitterion on the nanoparticles’ periphery. These nano-objects exhibit improved catalase-mimicking activity in water thanks to the encapsulation/immobilization of the catalytic active complex and high colloidal stability in water, as demonstrated through the dismutation reaction of hydrogen peroxide.