Base-Catalyze Hydrolysis of Teos in Ethanol

GOAL: To examine and modify the surface properties of silica nanoparticles. Because silica is

widely used in a variety of high-tech applications such as in polymer nanocomposites,

semiconductor polishing, or consumer products, controlling the surface properties of silica will

govern how the particles will be stable and disperse or unstable and aggregate. Particle

stability affects the intended use of the resulting products.

Particles were synthesized through base-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethylorthosilicate

(TEOS). The stability of these unmodified silica particles were studied in water. These

particles were modified through esterification with 1-Pentanol. Ultimately, these particles are

being grafted with poly(dimethylsiloxane),or PDMS. Particle sizes were quantified with

scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS); particle charge was

characterized by zeta potential measurements; and particle surface chemistry was studied

with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).