4.7 Article

The Effect of Different Coupling Agents on Nano-ZnO Materials Obtained via the Sol-Gel Process

Journal

NANOMATERIALS
Volume 7, Issue 12, Pages -

Publisher

MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/nano7120439

Keywords

sol-gel process; ZnO nanoparticles; coupling agent; surface modifications; hybrid coating

Funding

  1. Romanian National Authority for Scientific Research and Innovation
  2. Romanian National Authority for Scientific Research and Innovation, CNCS/CCCDI-UEFISCDI, within PNCDI III [PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1332, PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2016-0063]
  3. University Politehnica of Bucharest through Excellence Research Grants Program, UPB-GEX [62/26.09.2016]

Ask authors/readers for more resources

Hybrid nanomaterials based on zinc oxide were synthesized via the sol-gel method, using different silane coupling agents: (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS), phenyltriethoxysilane (PhTES), octyltriethoxysilane (OTES), and octadecyltriethoxysilane (ODTES). Morphological properties and the silane precursor type effect on the particle size were investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The bonding characteristics of modified ZnO materials were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The final solutions were deposited on metallic substrate (aluminum) in order to realize coatings with various wettability and roughness. The morphological studies, obtained by ESEM and TEM analysis, showed that the sizes of the ZnO nanoparticles are changed as function of silane precursor used in synthesis. The thermal stability of modified ZnO materials showed that the degradation of the alkyl groups takes place in the 300-500 degrees C range. Water wettability study revealed a contact angle of 142 +/- 5 degrees for the surface covered with ZnO material modified with ODTES and showed that the water contact angle increases as the alkyl chain from the silica precursor increases. These modified ZnO materials, therefore, can be easily incorporated in coatings for various applications such as anti-corrosion and anti-icing.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.7
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

Article Polymer Science

Electric and electronic equipment waste: reuse in elastomeric composites

Ramona Marina Grigorescu, Paul Ghioca, Lorena Iancu, Madalina Elena David, Rodica-Mariana Ion, Raluca Augusta Gabor, Cristian-Andi Nicolae, Sofia Teodorescu-Slamnoiu, Elvira Alexandrescu

Summary: The paper aims to reuse polystyrene fraction of WEEE and non-metallic part of printed circuit boards as reinforcing fillers for shoe sole materials. By adding paraffin-naphthenic oil, improved processability is achieved. The mechanical properties of the materials decrease with increasing waste dosage, but properties for the targeted application are maintained until 15-20% filler blend. The addition of waste leads to an increase in storage modulus and viscosity, indicating a reinforcing effect.

JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH (2023)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Influence of Biobased Polyurethane Structure on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)- Polyurethane Blends

Denis Mihaela Panaitescu, Violeta Melinte, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Cristian Andi Nicolae, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Luiza Capra

Summary: In this study, two polyurethane elastomers were synthesized and blended with PHBV, and the results showed that the addition of polyurethane can improve the elongation of PHBV without significantly affecting its thermal stability.

JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT (2023)

Article Polymer Science

Nitrates Removal from Simulated Groundwater Using Nano Zerovalent Iron Supported by Polystyrenic Gel

Oanamari Daniela Orbulet, Annette Madelene Dancila, Simona Caprarescu, Cristina Modrogan, Violeta Purcar

Summary: The main objectives of this study were to immobilize nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) onto a polymeric material (Purolite A400) and synthesize the polymeric material (A400-nZVI) using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) reduction. The obtained A400-nZVI was used to remove nitrate ions from simulated groundwater. The polymeric materials, with and without nZVI (A400 and A400-nZVI), were characterized using FTIR, SEM-EDAX, XRD, and TGA analysis. The results confirmed the presence of nZVI on the polymeric material (A400). The adsorption capacity of A400-nZVI as a polymeric adsorbent was evaluated through kinetic and thermodynamic studies. The experimental results showed that nitrate ions reduction followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm. A potential reaction mechanism was suggested based on the kinetic model results. A higher nitrate removal (>80%) was achieved under acidic conditions. The results indicate that the obtained A400-nZVI can be considered as a potential polymeric adsorbent for various pollutants in groundwater and wastewater.

POLYMERS (2023)

Article Polymer Science

Complex Effects of Hemp Fibers and Impact Modifiers in Multiphase Polypropylene Systems

Denis Mihaela Panaitescu, Zina Vuluga, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Cristian-Andi Nicolae, Catalina-Diana Usurelu

Summary: SEBS and SBS copolymers were used as modifiers in PP/hemp fibers composites for electrical vehicle parts. The addition of MAPP improved the mechanical properties of the composites. The composites were developed as substitutes for fully synthetic polymeric materials or metal components in automotive part manufacturing.

POLYMERS (2023)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Influence of Perfluorooctanoic Acid on Structural, Morphological, and Optical Properties of Hybrid Silica Coatings on Glass Substrates

Violeta Purcar, Valentin Raditoiu, Florentina Monica Raduly, Alina Raditoiu, Simona Caprarescu, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Raluca Somoghi, Mihai Anastasescu, Hermine Stroescu, Cristian-Andi Nicolae

Summary: In recent years, various commercial coatings based on fluorinated materials have been developed using different preparation routes. However, these techniques often require expensive and complex equipment, involve multiple manufacturing steps, or are time- or cost-consuming. This study aimed to develop sustainable hydrophobic and transparent fluorinated hybrid coatings using the sol-gel method, which offers advantages such as lower cost, energy consumption, and easier implementation. The influence of perfluorooctanoic acid in the sol-gel process on the properties of the coatings was evaluated, and different silane precursors were used to synthesize hybrid silica materials. The fluorinated silica coatings showed good transparency and hydrophobicity, making them suitable for potential optical devices.

APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL (2023)

Article Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Novel Green Crosslinked Salecan Hydrogels and Preliminary Investigation of Their Use in 3D Printing

Raluca Ianchis, Rebeca Leu Alexa, Ioana Catalina Gifu, Maria Minodora Marin, Elvira Alexandrescu, Roxana Constantinescu, Andrada Serafim, Cristina Lavinia Nistor, Cristian Petcu

Summary: In this study, green crosslinked citric acid-salecan hydrogels were investigated as novel materials for regenerative medicine. The impact of salecan and citric acid on the properties of the hydrogels was studied, and it was found that the hydrogels exhibited microporous morphology, good swelling capacity, pH responsiveness, great mechanical stability, and good antibacterial activity. Furthermore, the salecan hydrogels were used as printing inks to create 3D structures with high fidelity and integrity.

PHARMACEUTICS (2023)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Role of polyaniline coating on nanosilica particles in polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposites for energy storage

Denis Mihaela Panaitescu, Marius Stelian Popa, Florin Ciuprina, Laura Enache, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Cristian Andi Nicolae, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Roxana Trusca, Valentin Raditoiu, Bogdan Trica, Marius Ghiurea

Summary: Polymer nanocomposites with high dielectric permittivity are extensively studied for microelectronic devices and energy storage applications. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is a flexible and lightweight polymer with higher dielectric permittivity. The addition of nanosilica and polyaniline (PANI) can further enhance the mechanical and dielectric properties of PVDF, making it suitable for energy storage applications.

SURFACES AND INTERFACES (2023)

Review Chemistry, Physical

Polyelectrolyte Coatings-A Viable Approach for Cultural Heritage Protection

Ioana Catalina Gifu, Raluca Ianchis, Cristina Lavinia Nistor, Cristian Petcu, Irina Fierascu, Radu Claudiu Fierascu

Summary: The continuous degradation of cultural heritage artifacts requires the continuous development of protection strategies, technologies, and materials. Polyelectrolytes have been proven effective in fighting against degradation and conserving heritage objects. This review focuses on the key developments in the use of polyelectrolytes for the preservation, consolidation, and cleaning of various heritage artifacts, including stone, metal, and organic materials like paper, leather, wood, and textiles. The state of the art in this field and future perspectives are presented.

MATERIALS (2023)

Article Polymer Science

Microbial Polysaccharide-Based Formulation with Silica Nanoparticles; A New Hydrogel Nanocomposite for 3D Printing

Maria Minodora Marin, Ioana Catalina Gifu, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Madalina Albu Kaya, Rodica Roxana Constantinescu, Rebeca Leu Alexa, Bogdan Trica, Elvira Alexandrescu, Cristina Lavinia Nistor, Cristian Petcu, Raluca Ianchis

Summary: Natural polysaccharides are recommended for medical applications due to their low cytotoxicity and hydrophilicity. Polysaccharides can be used in additive manufacturing to achieve various customized 3D structures. In this study, silica nanoparticles were added to a microbial polysaccharide to obtain printable hydrogel nanocomposites.
Article Polymer Science

Antibacterial Activity of PVA Hydrogels Embedding Oxide Nanostructures Sensitized by Noble Metals and Ruthenium Dye

Diana Pelinescu, Mihai Anastasescu, Veronica Bratan, Valentin-Adrian Maraloiu, Catalin Negrila, Daiana Mitrea, Jose Calderon-Moreno, Silviu Preda, Ioana Catalina Gifu, Adrian Stan, Robertina Ionescu, Ileana Stoica, Crina Anastasescu, Maria Zaharescu, Ioan Balint

Summary: Nanostructured oxides (SiO2, TiO2) were synthesized using the sol-gel method and modified with noble metal nanoparticles (Pt, Au) and ruthenium dye to enhance light harvesting and promote the photogeneration of reactive oxygen species. The resulting nanostructures were embedded in a transparent polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel. The engineered materials were evaluated for their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and showed potential for biomedical applications.
Article Physics, Multidisciplinary

PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF HYBRID FILMS CONTAINING TiO2-BASED SILICA MATERIALS

Violeta Purcar, Valentin Raditoiu, Florentina Monica Raduly, Alina Raditoiu, Simona Caprarescu, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Cristian-Andi Nicolae

Summary: Silica materials with and without TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via sol-gel route using different silane precursors. Hybrid films were prepared by depositing these materials on glass substrates. The physicochemical and optical properties of the final materials were characterized using various techniques. The interaction between silica material and TiO2 nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR. The presence of TiO2 nanoparticles improved the thermal stability and reduced weight loss rates of the silica material. The hybrid films showed antireflective properties and different wetting abilities, which make them useful for enhancing the performance of photovoltaic devices.

ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICS (2023)

No Data Available