Estimation of the surface interaction mechanism of ZnO nanoparticles modified with organosilane groups by Raman Spectroscopy

We investigated the surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The ZnO-NPs were synthesized by the physical method of continuous arc discharge in controlled atmosphere (DARC-AC). The surface modification was performed using a chemical method with constant stirring and reflux for 24 h at room temperature. This surface functionalization of the ZnO nanoparticles (funct-ZnO-NPs) was experimentally confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, TGA, UV–Visible and XRD, while its morphological characterization was performed by HRTEM. Using Raman spectroscopy, it was possible to study the functionalization process after the change, as well as the appearance of new bands of the molecular vibrations produced by the chemical interaction of the surface of the nanoparticles with the silane coupling agent. Comparing the Raman spectra of the ZnO-NPs, APTES and funct-ZnO-NPs, it was observed that the area between 2700 and 3200 cm⁻¹ related to the vibrations of the CH₂ and CH₃ bonds of the APTES molecule. The funct-ZnO-NPs showed a decrease in the peak intensity, which indicates a deactivation of the degrees of freedom of the APTES at the time of the surface functionalization with the ZnO-NPs, suggesting a redistribution of the APTES CH₂ groups, as they interact with the surface of the ZnO-NPs. The APTES molecule is anchored to the surface of the ZnO-NPs via one or two Si-O-Zn bonds and not by three, as is commonly reported. The above finding is attributable to steric impediment of the side groups of the APTES and the strain of the Si-O-Zn bonds that hinders the trivalent interaction with the surface of the nanostructured ZnO. Similarly, the results obtained by Raman were verified and complemented by means of FT-IR due to the presence of bands at specific wavelengths.     

Adhesion of microbes using 3-aminopropyl triethoxy silane and specimen stabilisation techniques for analytical transmission electron microscopy

A variety of adhesive support-films were tested for their ability to adhere various biological specimens for transmission electron microscopy. Support films primed with 3-amino-propyl triethoxy silane (APTES), poly- l -lysine, carbon and ultraviolet-B (UV-B)-irradiated carbon were tested for their ability to adhere a variety of biological specimens including axenic cultures of Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli and wild-type magnetotactic bacteria. The effects of UV-B irradiation on the support film in the presence of air and electrostatic charge on primer deposition were tested and the stability of adhered specimens on various surfaces was also compared. APTES-primed UV-B-irradiated Pioloform^TM was consistently the best adhesive, especially for large cells, and when adhered specimens were UV-B irradiated they became remarkably stable under an electron beam. This assisted the acquisition of in situ phase-contrast lattice images from a variety of biominerals in magnetotactic bacteria, in particular metastable greigite magnetosomes. Washing tests indicated that specimens adhering to APTES-primed UV-B-irradiated Pioloform^TM were covalently coupled. The electron beam stability was hypothesised to be the result of mechanical strengthening of the specimen and support film and the reduced electrical resistance in the specimen and support film due to their polymerization and covalent coupling.     

介孔材料MCM-41的改性研究

以十六烷基三甲基溴化铵为模板剂,正硅酸乙酯为硅源,室温下制备了六方有序介孔材料MCM-41,用1,3,5-三甲苯(TMB)、-氨丙基三乙氧基硅烷(APTES)对其进行化学修饰,得到改性MCM-41。采用XRD、红外光谱、氮气吸附-脱附等方法对样品进行了结构表征,结果表明,改性MCM-41保留了MCM-41的六方有序结构,扩孔后得到较大孔径的介孔MCM-41,经硅烷化修饰后减少了表面硅羟基,增大了MCM-41的表面极性,有利于介孔材料MCM-41的组装。     

Polymer membranes for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell: Recent advances and challenges

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are considered to be a promising technology for efficient power generation in the 21st century. Currently, high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC) offer several advantages, such as high proton conductivity, low permeability to fuel, low electro-osmotic drag coefficient, good chemical/thermal stability, good mechanical properties and low cost. Owing to the aforementioned features, high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells have been utilized more widely compared to low temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells, which contain certain limitations, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, heat management, water leaching, etc. This review examines the inspiration for HT-PEMFC development, the technological constraints, and recent advances. Various classes of polymers, such as sulfonated hydrocarbon polymers, acid-base polymers and blend polymers, have been analyzed to fulfill the key requirements of high temperature operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). The effect of inorganic additives on the performance of HT-PEMFC has been scrutinized. A detailed discussion of the synthesis of polymer, membrane fabrication and physicochemical characterizations is provided. The proton conductivity and cell performance of the polymeric membranes can be improved by high temperature treatment. The mechanical and water retention properties have shown significant improvement., However, there is scope for further research from the perspective of achieving improvements in certain areas, such as optimizing the thermal and chemical stability of the polymer, acid management, and the integral interface between the electrode and membrane.     

Novel hyperbranched waterborne polyurethane‐urea/silica hybrid coatings and their characterizations

Thermally resistant and mechanically stable novel hyperbranched waterborne polyurethane‐urea/silica hybrid coatings were prepared by using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane as a coupling agent with SiO₂ as a crosslinker. The extent of hydrogen bonding was investigated to show a dependence on SiO₂ concentration, which increased the glass transition temperature of the polymers with increasing SiO₂ concentration. Thermal decomposition profiles and the corresponding stability data suggest two‐step decomposition for the hybrids; further, their stability increased with increasing concentration of SiO₂.Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Rapid assembly of carbon nanotube-based magnetic composites

The rapid assembly of magnetic carbon nanotubes is mediated through the electrostatic attraction of α-haematite nanoparticles to carboxylic groups decorating their outer surface. The system is then stabilised through covalently bonding a silica coat using a 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane precursor, which creates a thin barrier protecting the α-haematite particles from aggressive pH solutions. The nanocomposites can be effectively dispersed in aqueous solution and can be attracted to an external magnetic field. The proposed method can be used for synthesis of magnetic CNTs suitable for assembling densely packed magnetic arrays, remotely guided drug delivery and organic chemical wastewater remediation with the added benefit of nanomaterial recovery. Therein, p-nitroaniline was demonstrated to still adsorb to uncoated areas of the silica-sheathed magnetic MWCNT composite.