Several cyclam incorporating silica gels have been synthesised using three different methods, including a sol–gel approach. These various materials show different textures and the macrocycle contents can reach values up to 1.5 mmol g− 1. Cu (II) and Co (II) complexes of these modified silica gels have been studied. Finally, the efficiency of [Co (cyclam)] 2+ grafted onto silica for binding dioxygen has been determined using ESR spectroscopy ...