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Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids
Published on: April 22, 2016
Evolution of self-assembled silica-tetrapropylammonium nanoparticles at elevated temperatures
Jeffrey D Rimer1, Dionisios G Vlachos, Raul F Lobo
1Center for Catalytic Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|July 21, 2006
Summary
Hydrothermal treatment causes silica nanoparticles with tetrapropylammonium (TPA) to grow and become more spherical. Upon heating, TPA embeds in the core, forming zeolitic nanomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Silica nanoparticles are crucial in various applications.
- Understanding their behavior under hydrothermal conditions is vital for material design.
- Tetrapropylammonium (TPA) influences silica nanoparticle structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively analyze structural and compositional changes of silica-TPA nanoparticles at elevated temperatures.
- To investigate the growth mechanisms and kinetics of these nanoparticles during hydrothermal treatment.
- To elucidate the role of TPA in nanoparticle evolution.
Main Methods:
- Combined use of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS).
- Conductivity and pH measurements to monitor solution changes.
- Hydrothermal treatment at temperatures ranging from 70 to 90°C.
Main Results:
- Silica-TPA nanoparticles grow via Ostwald ripening, with rates dependent on pH and temperature.
- The core-shell structure is maintained during heating, with a trend towards sphericity at high pH.
- SAXS intensity calculations revealed changes in nanoparticle composition and concentration over time.
- TPA embedding within the nanoparticle core was observed upon heating.
Conclusions:
- Hydrothermal treatment drives silica-TPA nanoparticle growth and structural modification.
- The nanoparticles evolve towards a more zeolitic structure with embedded TPA.
- This study provides insights into the synthesis and modification of functional nanomaterials.
