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Properties of APTES-Modified CNC Films
Sadat Kamal Amit1, Diego Gomez-Maldonado2, Tiana Bish1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States.
ACS Omega
|April 15, 2024
Summary
Modifying cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES) enhances their stability in water. This improvement allows for broader applications in water-based environments, including sensing and adsorption technologies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) offer facile aqueous dispersibility for water-based material production.
- However, their inherent water solubility limits applications requiring water immersion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the hydrolytic stability of sulfated CNCs.
- To explore the potential of APTES modification for improved CNC performance in aqueous environments.
Main Methods:
- Modification of CNCs with 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES) via a single-pot reaction.
- Characterization using spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), microscopy (AFM, optical), thermal analysis (TGA), and dynamic light scattering.
- Assessment of hydrolytic stability and mechanical properties of CNC films.
- Evaluation of binding affinity using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCMD) and multiparametric surface plasmon resonance (MP-SPR).
Main Results:
- APTES modification significantly improved the hydrolytic stability of CNC films.
- Minor impacts on mechanical properties were observed despite substituting only 12.6% of hydroxyl groups.
- Enhanced irreversible binding with carbofuran, a pesticide, was demonstrated.
- APTES-modified CNCs showed increased utility in water-immersion applications.
Conclusions:
- APTES modification is an effective strategy to improve the hydrolytic stability of sulfated CNCs.
- This modification broadens the applicability of CNCs in water-based systems.
- The enhanced CNCs show promise for use in sensors and adsorbents for contaminant removal.

