Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 634863, 8 pages

http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/634863

Research Article

Preparation of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Materials Based on MCM-41 and Its Applications

Sana M. Alahmadi,1,2 Sharifah Mohamad,¹ and Mohd Jamil Maah¹

¹Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

²Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Almadina Almonawara 30001, Saudi Arabia

Received 3 May 2013; Accepted 28 September 2013

Academic Editor: S. Komarneni

Copyright © 2013 Sana M. Alahmadi et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

This work reports the covalent attachment of three different calix[4]arenes (calix[4]arene (C4), p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (C4S), and p-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene (PC4)) to MCM-41, using a three-step modification process. 3-Chloropropyltrimethoxysilane (ClPTS) was first attached to the mesoporous silica surface and subsequently converted to amides via the reaction with toluene diisocyanate (TDI). Finally, calix[4]arene derivatives attached to the isocyanate ending remained available on toluene di-iso-cyanate. Changes in the surface properties of the mesoporous silica caused by the chemical modification were monitored using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis (TGA), and elemental analysis. The FTIR spectra and TGA analysis verify that the calix[4]arene derivatives are covalently attached to the mesoporous silica. The preservation of the MCM-41 channel system was checked by the X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption analysis. These materials were then used to evaluate the sorption properties of some organotins compounds (Tributyltin (TBT), Triphenyltin (TPT), and Dibutyltin (DBT)).

1. Introduction

The term “calixarene,” proposed by David Gutsche in 1975, stems from the Greek word “calix” which means “vase” or “chalise” or “arene,” indicating the existence of aryl rings. Calixarenes are defined as a class of cyclooligomers having distinct upper and lower rims and central annulus [1, 2].

Currently, calixarenes are also known as the third generation supramolecules after cyclodextrins and crown ethers [3]. Calixarenes chemistry is a curious combination of academic and industrial research. The varying calixarene applications are attributed to their cup-like shape with structured upper and lower rims and central annulus [1] selective complexation with several metal ions and neutral molecules, stability, solubility, and their large scale availability [4]. Calixarenes have commonly been utilized for the purpose of separation [5] and extraction of various analytes such as the selective removal of aromatic amines [6], heavy metal [7–9], dyes [10–12], and oxyanions [13, 14]. They have also been utilized in several chemical sensor devices including ion and molecule-selective electrodes for groups of ions and molecules [15, 16], fluorescent sensors [17, 18], and nonlinear optical sensors [19]. The immobilization of calixarenes within organic or inorganic matrices makes it possible to take advantage of their unique properties in the solid state.

Mesoporous silica is the most commonly utilized support material for the production of functionalized materials, owing to their great physical strength and chemical inertness [20–28]. A variety of coupling agents have also been utilized to functionalize mesoporous silica like organosilanes with particular functional groups, for instance, chloride, carboxylic acid, thiol, and amine [29]. Isocyanates are considered to be highly reactive with –OH groups, leading to the formation of urethane bonds [30, 31], which depend on the utilized diisocyanate, at least as strong as those obtained with the organosilane binders [31]. The preparation of mesoporous silica functionalized by calixarene (C4), p-sulfonatocalixarene (C4S), and p-tert-butyl-calixarene (PC4) using toluene diisocyanate as a linker was recently reported for the first time in our previous work [32].

Organotins (OTs) compounds are invaluable organometallic pollutants which are utilized as follows: as antifouling paints, PVC stabilizers, pesticides, and additives in countless industrial, chemical, and agricultural applications [33, 34]. The increasing use of tin compounds in the last few years has led to a high degree of organotins compounds widely detected in environmental matrices [35]. Additionally, the high toxicity of the organotins compounds raised, poses increasing environmental concerns. Hence, in several countries, the utilization of triorganotin compounds including TBT and TPT is legally banned or restricted. The adsorption method has been viewed as among the most effective and economical ways to remove organic and inorganic pollutants from aqueous solutions [36].

In this work, mesoporous silica MCM-41 was functionalized with calixarene derivatives by postgrafting methods using a linking agent consisting of an organosilane (3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane-ClPTS) and a toluene 2,4-di-iso-cyanate (TDI) as new materials. In this method, one of the isocyanate endings at TDI is attached to the organosilane –OH ending, while the other isocyanate ending remains available for reaction with calixarene derivatives.

Based on our knowledge, no research result on the mesoporous silica MCM-41 functionalized with calixarene derivatives for the OTs removal has been reported in the literature. Therefore, the objectives of this research are to synthesize and characterize mesoporous silica MCM-41 functionalized with calixarene derivatives and study the effectiveness of this material as adsorbent for the removal of OTs.

2. Experimental

2.1. Materials

The chemicals used in this are commercially available. Mesoporous silica Aldrich, surface area 993 m²/g, average diameter of 2.9 nm serves as silica sources and calixarene (Acros) and p-tert-butylcalixarene (Fluka) as the organic modifier. 3-Chloropropyltriethoxysilane (ClPTS) (Aldrich) and toluene 2,4-di-iso-cyanate (TDI) (Aldrich) were the organic linkers. Triethylamine SAFC was used as catalyst. Di-n-butylamine Acros and hydrochloric acid Fisher were used for the determination of isocyanate groups. Toluene Fisher was dried before use by using molecular sieves, whereas ethanol Fisher and acetone Fisher were used as solvents. Dichloromethane (Sigma Aldrich), chlorosulfonic acid (Merk), and methanol were useful for the synthesis of p-sulfonatocalixarene as described in the literature [37]. Water was purified using Milli-Q purification equipment.

For sorption experiments, tributyltin chloride (Aldrich), triphenyltin chloride (Fluka), and dibutyltin chloride (Aldrich) concentrations were adjusted by successive dilutions with Milli-Q water of an 8.42 mM solutions in methanol stored at 4°C in the dark.

2.2. Instrumentation

Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) were recorded on a Perkin Elmer FTIR Spectrum RX1 ATR with a KBr pellet technique. Thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were carried out from 50 to 900°C at a heating rate of 20°C/min in a nitrogen atmosphere using Perkin Elmer TGA 4000 analyzer. Elemental analyses were performed on a Perkin Elmer CHNS-2400 analyzer. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption experiments were carried out at 77.40 K on a Quantachrome Autosorb Automated Gas Sorption system. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area (SBET) was calculated from the linearity of the BET equation. The volume and pore diameter were calculated from the pore size distribution curves using the Density Functional (Theory) (DFT) method. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) patterns were obtained on a Bruker AXS D-8 Advance diffractometer using Cu K radiation ( nm) at 40 kV and 30 mA within the range of 2 to 10.

An Agilent Technology 7500 series ICP-MS was used for the determination of OTs in aqueous solutions. The ICP-MS condition was shown in Table 1. A series of Sn standard solutions from 0 to 1000 µg/L were used to construct the calibration curve, on which a good linear relationship was observed.

Table 1: ICP-MS conditions.

Parameter
Value

RF power (W)
1550

Sampling depth (mm)
8

Carrier gas flow (L/min)
0.9

Make-up gas flow (L/min)
0.28

O₂/Ar mixed gas
0

Chamber temperature
2°C

Nebuliser
Babington

Cones
Ni

2.3. Synthesis Methods

2.3.1. Preparation of 3-Hydroxypropyl Trimethylsilyl Functionalized MCM-41

The surface functionalization of MCM-41 was carried out by a procedure described by Feng et al. [38]. The functionalization of the surface of MCM-41 was performed according to Figure 1. The MCM-41 support was dehydrated (125°C, overnight) and a self-assembled monolayer of the initial silane was produced by suspending 1.0 g of MCM-41 in 40 mL of toluene in a 100 mL round bottom flask. The suspension was stirred vigorously for 5 minutes before adding 0.30 mL of DI water and the stirring continued for two hours. A slight excess of the silane (10% v/v), 2.18 mL of 3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane corresponding to 9.07 mmol, was added and the solution refluxed for 6 hours. The solids are then filtered and washed copiously with toluene and acetone to remove unreacted silane and dried overnight. The modified material obtained is denoted as ClPTS-MCM. The chlorine groups present in the ClPTS-MCM were hydrolysed into hydroxyl groups by heating at 60°C, 1.0 g of the solid material with a solution of methanol : water (1 : 1) for two hours [29]. The hydrolysed material (OHPTS-MCM) was filtered and dried at 110°C overnight.

Figure 1: Preparation of modified mesoporous silica with calixarene derivatives.

The hydrolysed material (OHPTS-MCM) was refluxed with the excess of TDI (dried by molecular sieve for 24 h) in a dry nitrogen atmosphere at 80°C for 4 h [39]. After cooling down, the material was filtered, washed, and dried overnight and denoted as MCM-PS-TDI.

2.3.2. Immobilizing of Calix[4]arene Derivatives onto MCM-PS-TDI

Mesoporous silica-supported calixarene derivatives were prepared by refluxing 1.0 g of the functionalized mesoporous silica (MCM-PS-TDI) with 1.8 mmol of calixarene derivatives (calculated from Section 2.3.3) and a few drops of triethylamine in 100 mL of dry toluene in a 250-mL round-bottom flask and the reaction temperature was kept at 80°C for 24 h under stirring. The modified materials were filtered, washed by toluene and acetone, and dried under vacuum. The samples were marked as MCM-PS-TDI-C4 for calixarene, MCM-PS-TDI-C4S for p-sulfonatocalixarene, and MCM-PS-TDI-PC4 for p-tert-butyl-calixarene.

2.3.3. Determination of Isocyanate Groups

The content of isocyanate groups of the reaction system was determined by titration. 200 mg of MCM–PS-TDI sample and 20 mL of 0.1 mol L⁻¹ di-n-butylamine in toluene were charged into a flask and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The unreacted di-n-butylamine was back titrated with 0.1 mol L⁻¹ HCl using bromophenol blue as an indicator. The content of isocyanate groups was calculated by:

where (mL) is the titer of 0.1 mol L⁻¹ HCl for blank; (mL) is the titer of 0.1 mol L⁻¹ HCl for the sample; is the factor of 0.1 mol L⁻¹ HCl; and is the weight of the sample in gram (g).

2.4. Sorption Studies

Mesoporous silica-grafted calixarene derivatives (0.01 g) were shaken with 10 mL of aqueous solution containing OTs solution with known concentration () at 180 rpm in 50 mL Teflon reactors (FEP, Nalgene) since other studies have shown that this material does not compete for OTs sorption and does not leach OTs compounds [40]. Batch experiments were performed at room temperature for 1 h. The adsorbent had been removed by filtration and the concentration of OTs remaining () in the aqueous phase after the sorption was then determined by ICP-MS. The percentage of sorption of OTs (%) has been calculated as

where is the initial aqueous concentration of OTs (mg L⁻¹) and is the concentration of OTs after shaking for a certain period of time (mg L⁻¹).

3. Results and Discussion

In this work, the MCM-41 was functionalized through a postsynthetic method, with 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane (ClPTS) [38]. The chlorine groups were hydrolysed into hydroxyl groups [30], which reacted with one of the terminal isocyanate groups of the linking agent (TDI), forming urethane links. The isocyanate groups at parapositions in TDI would bind with the hydroxyl groups on the surface of OHPTS-MCM preferentially, whereas those at the orthopositions would be preserved due to the steric hindrance within the TDI molecule [41]. The mole amount of the isocyanate groups that reacted with OHPTS-MCM can be regarded as that of TDI that reacted with OHPTS-MCM. The amounts of TDI that reacted with OHPTS-MCM are largely dependent on the amount of hydroxyls on the surface so in the case of the excess of TDI, the amounts of TDI that reacted with OHPTS-MCM were invariable [42, 43]. The isocyanate groups at orthopositions in the OHPTS-MCM functionalized with TDI had reacted with hydroxyl groups at calixarene derivatives.

3.1. Materials Characterization

3.1.1. FTIR Analysis

The functionalization of MCM-41 using ClPTS and TDI can be identified using FTIR. Figure 2 shows the FTIR spectra of unmodified mesoporous silica and functionalized mesoporous silica with ClPTS and TDI samples, MCM-41, and MCM-PS-TDI, respectively. The spectrum of the unmodified MCM-41 (Figure 2), as well as the modified materials, is dominated by strong bands which are characteristic of the support matrix, indicating that the support framework had remained unchanged. These bands are due to the surface hydroxyl groups, in the range of 3770–3300 cm⁻¹, and due to lattice vibrations, in the range of 1300–750 cm⁻¹. Bands at about 1215, 1085, 807, and 480 cm⁻¹ are assignable to the asymmetric and symmetric stretching ((Si–O–Si) and (Si–O–Si)) of the support framework. The band present at about 970 cm⁻¹ is attributable to (Si–OH) vibrations [44–48].

Figure 2: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of MCM-PS-TDI (a) and MCM-41 (b).

After the anchoring of 3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane ClPTS-MCM (not shown here), and the subsequent hydrolysis (OHPTS-MCM), new weak bands arise at 2960 and 2850 cm⁻¹ probably due to the aliphatic (–CH₂) stretching of the propyl chain of the silylating agent, suggesting that the modification of the support material was achieved [47, 49].

The addition of excess TDI to the OHPTS–MCM resulted in the incorporation of isocyanate functionalities on the surface of the OHPTS–MCM (Figure 1). This was evidenced by the appearance of a clearly discernible band at 2282 cm⁻¹ corresponding to the asymmetric stretching of the appended terminal isocyanate groups, and the appearance of an aromatic C–C stretch at 1560 cm⁻¹ in the FTIR spectrum. The signals corresponding to the C=O and C–N stretches of the carbamate linkages formed between the hydroxyl group and the isocyanate functionality at 1637 cm⁻¹ and 1202 cm⁻¹ had merged with the band of surface hydroxyl groups of mesoporous silica and Si–O–Si band, respectively.

The infrared spectra obtained for MCM-PS-TDI-C4, MCM-PS-TDI-C4S and MCM-PS-TDI-PC4 are shown in Figure 3. Typical silica bands associated with the main inorganic backbone can be clearly observed as a large broad band between 3400 and 3200 cm⁻¹, attributed to the presence of the O–H stretching frequency of silanol groups bonded to the inorganic structure, and the intense band related to the Si–O–Si stretching of these groups at 1080–1225 cm⁻¹. All spectra show a large band around 1500–1650 cm⁻¹ due to Car–Car stretching. Additional bands are also observed in the spectra that confirm the presence of calixarene derivatives in these materials. The bands at 1418 cm⁻¹ and 1448 cm⁻¹ of MCM-PS-TDI-C4 spectrum (Figure 3(a)), which are referred to Car-OH and methylene bridges –CH₂– groups, were broadened with Car–Car stretching at 1541 cm⁻¹. Based on these data, it is proven that the MCM-PS-TDI was successfully modified with calixarene.

Figure 3: FTIR spectra of MCM-PS-TDI-C4 (a), MCM-PS-TDI-C4S (b) and MCM-PS-TDI-PC4 (c).

The spectrum of MCM-PS-TDI-C4S, (Figure 3(b)) had presented new peaks compared to MCM-PS-TDI. Car–S peaks and methylene bridges –CH₂– groups were confirmed by the strong absorptions at 662 and 630 cm⁻¹ and 1443 cm⁻¹, respectively. The strong absorption peaks for were present at 1048 and 1122 cm⁻¹ [50]. These peaks validate the immobilization of the p-sulfonatocalixarene to the isocyanate functional groups.

In the case of MCM-PS-TDI-PC4, Figure 3(c) generally shows a strong band at 1542 cm⁻¹ and its shoulder near 1418 cm⁻¹, which correspond to the phenyl Car–Car and methylene bridges –CH₂–., respectively, and methyl (CH₃) asymmetric stretching and symmetric vibrations at 2969 and 2862 cm⁻¹, respectively.

Meanwhile, the disappearance of the absorption peak of isocyanate group at 2280 indicates that the reserved isocyano groups had reacted with calixarene derivatives.

3.1.2. Thermogravimetric Analysis

The thermogravimetric analysis of functionalized mesoporous silica MCM-PS-TDI with calixarene derivatives was also determined (Figure 4). The functionalized MCM-PS-TDI with calixarene derivatives exhibited a weight loss at about 50°C corresponding to the loss of physically adsorbed water. With the increase in temperature, there is a significant change in the weight loss curve with functionalized MCM-PS-TDI. The removal of the organic moiety started at 180–240°C and continued up to 400 and 600°C. The sharp decrease in weight at 280°C is due to the loss of the carbamate group (Table 2).

Table 2: Results of thermogravimetric analysis.

Sample
Region °C
Weight loss %
Assignment

MCM-PS-TDI-C4
45–120
3.4
Moisture

120–200
2.4
Calix[4]arene

200–350
42.1
Linkers and calix [4]arene

350–800
14.1
Calix[4]arene

MCM-PS-TDI-C4S
45–150
8.3
Moisture

280–350
21.8
Linkers

350–800
19.8
Calix[4]arene sulfonate

MCM-PS-TDI-PC4
45–150
3.3
Moisture

150–350
34.5
Linkers and paratert butyl Calix[4]arene

400–700
10.4
Paratert butyl calix[4]arene

Figure 4: TGA analysis of MCM-PS-TDI-C4, MCM-PS-TDI-C4S, and MCM-PS-TDI-PC4.

3.1.3. Elemental Analysis

The elemental analysis of the samples (Table 3) shows a gradual increase in the carbon content after the modification step.

Table 3: Results of elemental analysis for MCM-PS-TDI functionalized with calix[4]arene derivatives.

Sample
%C
%H
%N
%S

MCM-PS-TDI-C4
30.93
3.62
5.21
—

MCM-PS-TDI-C4S
25.83
3.23
2.11
3.71

MCM-PS-TDI-PC4
33.63
3.97
4.46
—

After the reaction of OHPTS–MCM with TDI, the percentages of C and N increase from 3.13% and 0.14% to 20.82% and 5.03%, respectively, implying the success of the modification step. After reacting with C4, C4S, and PC4 the C content increased further to 30.93%, 25.83%, and 33.63%, respectively, showing that the calixarene derivatives were attached to the silicate surface.

3.1.4. XRD Diffraction

The functionalized ordered mesoporous material, MCM-PS-TDI-C4, MCM-PS-TDI-C4S, and MCM-PS-TDI-PC4 were characterized by XRD. The diffraction patterns are shown in Figure 5. The XRD patterns of the samples show weak (100) peaks and weaker (110) and (200) peaks. The (100) peak gradually shifts to higher angles and the loss of the peak intensity, indicates the presence of the organic moieties on the internal pore walls of MCM-41 [51]. The peaks (110) and (200) point to a decrease in the overall intensities of XRD reflections of MCM-41 after calixarene derivatives functionalization (Figure 5). This may be due to the difference of the scattering contrast between the amorphous silicate framework and organic moieties, which are located inside the channels of MCM-41 [52, 53].

Figure 5: XRD analysis of MCM-PS-TDI-C4, MCM-PS-TDI-C4S, and MCM-PS-TDI-PC4.

3.1.5. Nitrogen Adsorption-Desorption Analysis

Nitrogen adsorption-desorption experiments yielded Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 993 m²/g for MCM-41 and total pore volumes of 0.86. After the reaction with the coupling agent and modification with the calixarene derivatives, both the surface area and the total pore volume had dropped significantly (Table 4).

Table 4: Structural parameters of MCM-41, MCM-PS-TDI-C4, MCM-PS-TDI-C4S, and MCM-PS-TDI-PC4.

Sample
(m²/g)
V (cm³/g)
D (nm)

MCM-41
993
0.86
2.9

MCM-PS-TDI-C4
32.1
0.45
11.8

MCM-PS-TDI-C4S
30.6
0.38
9.7

MCM-PS-TDI-PC4
10.4
0.11
22.1

Figure 6 shows the nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms for the mesoporous silicates. All curves presented a Type-II isotherm, characteristic of nonporous or macroporous adsorbent with strong adsorbate-adsorbent interactions. Adsorption isotherms are of Type II in the IUPAC classification that represents monolayer/multilayer adsorption. This suggests that the adsorption of N₂ for the sorbent materials is moderate or, on the other hand, that the main adsorption process may be ascribed to a van der Waals force. Generally, the isotherm shows that the amount of N₂ adsorbed increases as the relative pressure increases up to a saturation point. A complete adsorption of N₂ as a monolayer onto the surface of the sorbent material is shown by the plateau of the adsorption isotherm. After this point, a large uptake of N₂ is observed to be close to the saturation pressure and it is assumed that a multilayer adsorption has taken place (i.e., implying the presence of mesoporous) [54].

Figure 6: Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms of MCM-PS-TDI-C4 (Δ), MCM-PS-TDI-C4S (□), and MCM-PS-TDI-PC4 (◊).

The grafted materials exhibit a broader pore diameter and display a decrease in the surface area and pore volume (Table 4). The decrease of the pore value and the broad distribution of pore size prove that the calixarene derivatives in the grafted mesoporous samples are mainly located on the internal surfaces of the mesoporous materials [47, 52, 55].

3.2. Evaluation of Sorption Capabilities

This study also aims to evaluate the sorption abilities by mesoporous silica grafted with calixarene derivatives toward some selected organotin compounds. We have performed several solid–liquid sorption studies of organotins compounds (Tributyltin TBT, Triphenyltin TPT, and Dibutyltin DBT) by using MCM-PS-TDI-calixarene derivatives as sorbents. The sorption percentages were calculated in (2), and they are given in Figure 7. These data have been obtained by using a 0.01 g of the grafted mesoporous silica for the sorption of organotins compounds from aqueous solution. The equilibrium concentration of tin in the aqueous phase has been determined by ICP-MS (Table 1). The sorption data reveal that MCM-PS-TDI-C4S was the most efficient sorbent.

Figure 7: Sorption percentages of organotins compounds by MCM-PS-TDI-calixarene derivatives sorbent.

The existence of calixarenes on the surface of the adsorbent plays an important role in the adsorption process. Calixarenes are able to bind some cations, anions, and neutral molecules to form inclusion complexes in aqueous solution. Extensive studies of molecular recognition by calixarenes have revealed that the size/shape-fit concept plays a crucial role in the formation of the inclusion complexes of host compounds with guest molecules of various structures. Therefore, weak intermolecular forces such as ion–dipole, dipole–dipole, dipole–induced dipole, van der Waals, electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interaction (CH-π or π-π) are known to contribute cooperatively to the inclusion complexation of guest molecules with calixarenes according to the size/shape-fit concept. In the present case, the van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interaction are considered to determine the complex stability to a large extent. Moreover, the electrostatic interaction is also considered in case of MCM-PS-TDI-C4S. High adsorption capacity for MCM-PS-TDI-PC4 may attribute to the higher value of the pore diameter.

4. Conclusion

In this work, we report the successful anchoring of calixarene derivatives onto the MCM-41 surface, using 3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane (ClPTS). The chlorine groups were hydrolysed into hydroxyl groups, which reacted with one of the terminal isocyanate groups of the linking agent (TDI), forming urethane links. The other terminal isocyanate functionality reacts with the free hydroxyl group present in the calixarene derivatives. Different characterization techniques such as FTIR, XRD, CHN, BET, and Thermogravimetric analysis have shown evidence that the calixarene derivatives were covalently attached to the MCM-41 surface and that their channel structure had remained unchanged. The sorption studies of some organotins compounds were performed by MCM-PS-TDI-calixarene derivatives sorbent materials. From the sorption results, it appeared that MCM-PS-TDI-C4S was the most efficient sorbent.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the University of Malaya Research Grant (Project no. RG169/12SUS) and the High Impact Research Ministry of Higher Education (HIR MoHE (faculty) F0004-21001), University of Malaya. Taibah University is also acknowledged for financial support.

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