Synthesis of mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles with a high tetrasulphide content and large pores

Tetrasulphide bridged mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (MONs) with a high sulphur content of ∼11% and a large pore size of ∼14 nm have been synthesised using tetrabutyl orthosilicate (TBOS) as a modulator in the synthetic system. It is shown that the incorporation of TBOS modulates the hydrolysis and co-condensation of inorganic silica and organosilica precursors during the formation of MONs, leading to higher organosilica content and larger mesopores compared with conventional synthesis using only tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as the inorganic silica precursor. Moreover, MONs with a high tetrasulphide content exhibit enhanced GSH oxidation capability, showing their potential in applications where GSH depletion is important. • A new strategy to prepare MONs with high sulphur content and large pore. • TBOS modulated hydrolysis and condensation of inorganic and organic silanes. • Sulphur content dependent GSH depletion activity.