An innovative series of silica-based hybrid materials containing pendant cationic ammoniumpropyl groups was obtained using the sol-gel method, by varying the molar ratio of the inorganic and organic precursors. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that samples were thermally stable up to 260 ºC. Results obtained by X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance and elemental analysis were compatible with a silsesquioxane layered structural model showing basal distances up to 5.4 nm, containing amorphous silica in the interlayer space.
nanostructured materials; layered hybrid materials; silsesquioxanes
