Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of C/SiO₂ Composite with Controllable Silica Nanoparticle Size.

ABSTRACT: A C/SiO₂ composite was produced from 3-aminophenol and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) by a synthesis protocol that involved microwave irradiation. This protocol featured simultaneous 3-aminophenol polymerization and TEOS hydrolysis and condensation, which were achieved rapidly in a microwave reactor. The SiO₂ component was formed from low-concentration TEOS confined in cetyltrimethylammonium bromide micelles. We demonstrated a control of the SiO₂ particle size, ranging from 20 to 90 nm, by varying the 3-aminophenol concentration. The carbon component provided a microporous structure that greatly contributed to the high specific surface area, 375 m²/g, and served as a host for the nitrogen functional groups with a content of 5.34%, 74% of which were pyridinic type. The composite formation mechanism was clarified from time-series scanning electron microscopy images and dynamic light scattering analysis. An understanding of the composite formation mechanism in this protocol will enable the design of composite morphologies for specific applications.

SUBMITTER: Arif AF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6641396 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature