Cobalt–silicon mixed oxide nanocomposites by modified sol–gel method

Cobalt–silicon mixed oxide materials (Co/Si=0.111, 0.250 and 0.428) were synthesised starting from Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O and Si(OC₂H₅)₄ using a modified sol–gel method. Structural, textural and surface chemical properties were investigated by thermogravimetric/differential thermal analyses (TG/DTA), XRD, UV–vis, FT-IR spectroscopy and N₂ adsorption at −196 °C. The nature of cobalt species and their interactions with the siloxane matrix were strongly depending on both the cobalt loading and the heat treatment. All dried gels were amorphous and contained Co²⁺ ions forming both tetrahedral and octahedral complexes with the siloxane matrix. After treatment at 400 °C, the sample with lowest Co content appeared amorphous and contained only Co²⁺ tetrahedral complexes, while at higher cobalt loading Co₃O₄ was present as the only crystalline phase, besides Co²⁺ ions strongly interacting with siloxane matrix. At 850 °C, in all samples crystalline Co₂SiO₄ was formed and was the only crystallising phase for the nanocomposite with the lowest cobalt content. All materials retained high surface areas also after treatments at 600 °C and exhibited surface Lewis acidity, due to cationic sites. The presence of cobalt affected the textural properties of the siloxane matrix decreasing microporosity and increasing mesoporosity.     

Ionic transport phenomenon across sol–gel derived organic–inorganic composite mono-valent cation selective membranes

Organic–inorganic composite mono-valent cation selective membranes (MCSMs) were prepared by sol–gel under acidic conditions, in which sulfonic acid groups were introduced at the inorganic segment. Studies on physicochemical and electrochemical properties revealed their excellent mechanical, thermal, and oxidative stabilities, high conductivity, ion-exchange capacity, permselectivity for mono-valent cations, ionic diffusion and water transport number. These properties suggested the suitability of MCSMs, especially Si-65%, for electro-separation of Na⁺ from Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Fe³⁺. The effect of electrolyte solution on the characteristics of the current–voltage (i–v) curve in MCSM was studied based on the concentration polarization. Electro-transport of different ions in terms of plateau length and concentration profiles for different ions in the solution phase, diffusion boundary layer and membrane phase were presented. Information obtained from i–v curve analysis were validated by electrodialysis (ED) experiments for individual or mixed electrolyte solutions. Electro-transport efficiency and separation factor of different ions for MCSM and Nafion117 (N117) membranes were compared, which suggested suitability of MCSMs for separating cations.     

TPR/TPO characterization of cobalt–silicon mixed oxide nanocomposites prepared by sol–gel

Cobalt–silicon mixed oxides with Co/Si ratio of 10/90 (10Co), 20/80 (20Co) and 30/70 (30Co) were prepared by a modified sol–gel method. The materials treated in air at 400 and 600 °C were characterized by SEM and TPR/TPO techniques. TPR measurements showed that in all samples only a fraction of Co was present as Co₃O₄ and as amorphous silicate and was reducible by H₂ within 800 °C, while a part was not reducible under TPR conditions. The fraction of Co not reducible decreased with increasing Co content. A TPO/TPR cycle gave rise to an increase of the fraction of not reducible Co.     

Preparation and characterization of epoxy/SiO2 nanocomposites by cationic photopolymerization and sol–gel process

Epoxy/SiO₂ nanocomposite materials were prepared by cationic photopolymerization and sol–gel process using a novel epoxy oligomer (EP‐Si(OC₂H₅)₃) prepared by 3‐isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane (IPTS)‐grafted bisphenol A epoxy resin and tetraethyl orthosilicate as inorganic precursor. The chemical structures of EP‐Si(OC₂H₅)₃ were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the in situ generated nano‐SiO₂ dispersed uniformly in the EP matrix, and its average diameter is around 40 nm. The relationship between nanocomposite materials' thermal/mechanical properties and nano‐SiO₂ introduced were studied by thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and impact strength test. The results showed that the nanocomposite materials' thermal and mechanical properties improved a lot with increase of the SiO₂ content. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and characterization of a supported Si3N4 membrane via a non-aqueous sol–gel process

We report a novel fabrication process of a mesoporous Si₃N₄ membrane on an Al₂O₃ support via a non-aqueous sol–gel technique. The membrane was prepared by dipping an -Al₂O₃ support disk into a silicon diimide sol that was synthesized by catalytic ammonolysis of tris(dimethylamino)silylamine, H₂NSi(NMe₂)₃. The SEM image and nitrogen adsorption analysis indicate that amorphous Si₃N₄ layers with nano-sized pores have formed on the surface and also inside the pores of the Al₂O₃ support disk. The new membrane demonstrates high selective absorption of NO₂, suggesting a potential application as a selective filter for gas sensors.     

Synthesis of silica–silver wires by a sol–gel technique

SiO₂–Ag wires were synthesized by a sol–gel technique. A two step approach was followed, focusing mainly on the effect of acid concentration on the first stage and processing temperature on the second. This acid-catalyzed reaction on the first stage yielded SiO₂–AgCl wires with diameters as low as 800 nm average, and lengths ranging up to 100 μm, as determined by LV-SEM and TEM. A thermal treatment at different temperatures on the second step, under H₂ atmosphere, yields silica–silver unidirectional structures. The chemical composition of these structures was determined by EDS, indicating the presence of Si, O and Ag. The transformation of the wires as a function of temperature under reducing atmosphere was followed by electron microscopy analysis. At 400 °C and above the silica starts to cover the reduced silver while maintaining the unidirectional conformation, suggesting a tendency to form silver wires covered by a silica layer.     

Preparation of stable second‐order nonlinear optical films by sol–gel technique

A stable nonlinear optical (NLO) film containing “T” type alkoxysilane dye was prepared by sol–gel technology. This crosslinked “T” type alkoxysilane dye was synthesized and fully characterized by FTIR, UV–Vis spectra, and ¹H‐NMR. Followed by hydrolysis and copolymerization processes of the alkoxysilane with γ‐glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (KH560) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), high quality inorganic–organic hybrid second‐order NLO films were obtained by spin coating. The “T” type structure of the alkoxysilane was found to be effective for improving the temporal stability of the optical nonlinearity due to the reduction in the relaxation of the chromophore in the film materials. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,characterization and application of alumina/ vanadium pentoxide nanocomposit by sol–gel method

In this work, we report the preparation of Al₂O₃/V₂O₅ nanocomposit using vanadium and aluminum nitrate by sol–gel method. Characterization of nanocomposit was carried out by powder X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy‐Dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and UV spectroscopy. Then, applicability of the synthesized nanocomposit was tested as a nanocatalyst for the synthesis of diindolyl oxindole derivatives, an important class of potentially bioactive compounds. The products were obtained in good to high yields from one‐pot three‐component condensation of isatin with indole. Also, this nanocatalyst has been reused several times, without observable loss of activity.     

High surface area nickel aluminate spinels prepared by a sol–gel method

The oxide spinel NiAl₂O₄ and spinel-type solid solutions Al₂O₃–NiAl₂O₄ (at Ni/Al=1:4, and Ni/Al=1:8) were prepared by controlled hydrolysis of mixed metal alkoxides, followed by calcination of the resulting gels. Powder X-ray diffraction showed that all samples prepared were single phase cubic materials having the spinel-type structure. The cubic lattice parameter, a_o, was found to decrease gradually with increasing aluminium content of the mixed metal oxides. The specific surface area (determined by nitrogen adsorption at 77 K) was found to be in the range of 200–300 m² g⁻¹. The materials were found to be basically mesoporous, the most frequent pore radius being in the range 3.2–6.4 nm. IR spectroscopy of CO adsorbed at liquid nitrogen temperature gave a main band at 2186–2195 cm⁻¹, which was assigned to the C---O stretching vibration of surface Al³⁺CO adducts where coordinatively unsaturated Al³⁺ ions act as Lewis acid centres.     

Cr bound catalytically active sol–gel siloxane polymers

Several types of Cr bound siloxane polymers were prepared by various modes of polymerization. The co-polymerization of (EtO)₃SiPhCr(CO)₃ and Si(OMe)₄ by the sol–gel process, and its subsequent curing, led to a hydrogenation reactive polymer catalyst. Its catalytic reactivity was retained throughout several cycles, contrary to siloxane polymers prepared by different methods. The hydrogenation reaction was studied with methyl sorbate, 3-nonen-2-one, and 1-octyne. Regio- and stereoselectivities were studied. Cyclohexane as solvent was found to be superior to THF in retaining the catalytic activity upon recycling of the polymeric catalyst in the hydrogenation reactions.     

Preparation,characterization, and properties of novolac‐type phenolic/SiO2 hybrid organic–inorganic nanocomposite materials by sol–gel method

This article describes the preparation of novolac‐type phenolic resin/silica hybrid organic–inorganic nanocomposite, with a sol–gel process. The coupling agent was used to improve the interface between the organic and inorganic phases. The effect of the structure of the nanocomposite on its physical and chemical properties is discussed. The coupling agent reacts with the resin to form covalent bonds. The structure of the modified hybrid nanocomposites was identified with a Fourier transform infrared spectroscope. The silica network was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (²⁹Si NMR). Results revealed that Q₄ (tetrasubstituted) and T₃ (trisubstituted) are the dominant microstructures. The size of the silica in the phenolic resin was characterized with a scanning electron microscope. The size of the particles of inorganic silica in the modified system was less than 100 nm. The nanocomposite exhibited good transparency. Moreover, the thermal and mechanical properties exhibited significant improvement. The modified hybrid composite exhibited favorable thermal properties. The temperature at which a weight loss of 5% occurred increased from 281 to 350 °C. The flexural strength increased by 6–30%. The limiting oxygen index of the nanocomposite reached 37, and the Underwriters Laboratory test was 94V‐0. Consequently, these materials possess excellent flame‐retardant properties. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 905–913, 2003     

TGA–FTIR study of a lead zirconate titanate gel made from a triol-based sol–gel system

A Pb(Zr,Ti)O₃ precursor gel made from a sol prepared using 1,1,1,-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane, lead acetate and zirconium and titanium propoxides, stabilised with acetylacetone, was analysed using TGA–FTIR analysis. Decomposition under nitrogen (N₂) gave rise to evolved gas absorbance peaks at 215 °C, 279 °C, 300 °C and 386 °C, but organic vapours continued to be evolved, along with CO₂ and CO until 950 °C. The final TGA step in N₂ is thought to relate to decomposition of an intermediate carbonate phase and the final elimination of residues of triol or acetylacetonate species which form part of the polymeric gel structure. By contrast, heating in air promoted oxidative pyrolysis of the final organic groups at ≤450 °C. In air, an intermediate carbonate phase was decomposed by heating at 550 °C, allowing Pb(Zr,Ti)O₃ to be produced some 400 °C below the equivalent N₂ decomposition temperature.     

Renewable silica sol–gel derived carbon composite based glucose biosensor

An amperometric mediated glucose biosensor has been developed based on a sol–gel derived carbon composite material. Glucose oxidase and the mediator vinylferrocene have been immobilised within the porous, rigid and organically modified silicate network in the composite material. The organic group in the silicate network controls the hydrophobicity of the electrode surface and thus limits the wettability of the electrode surface. Various important fabrication factors controlling the biosensor performance have been investigated systematically. The glucose biosensor can be renewed easily in a reproducible manner by a simple polishing step and it has a long operational lifetime. Applicability of the biosensor has been demonstrated in real samples and the results obtained by this biosensor corroborate well with a classical UV spectrophotometric technique.     

The styrylpyridine dye for the silane sol–gel transition studies by time-dependent fluorescence

A trans-4-(p-N,N-dimethylaminostyryl)-N-vinylbenzylpyridinium chloride (vbDMASP) fluorescence probe was optimized in ground and excited state as a function of change in the microenvironment polarity, using the Amsol HyperChem program package. In the calculations, protic and aprotic solvents were used. On this basis a change in the molecule geometry after excitation, depending on the surrounding solvent, was determined.Absorption and steady-state fluorescence spectra of vbDMASP in the solvent of different polarity and in the model water–glycerol solutions were also recorded. On the basis of Stokes’ shift change with the Onsager polarity scale a change in the dipole moment of the probe during transition from ground to excited state, in protic and aprotic solvents was determined.Since during the sol–gel transition of tetraethylorthosilane in the acidic environment both polarity and viscosity of the microenvironment change the vbDMASP probe was applied and fluorescence time-resolved measurements were done. On this basis the correlations between the results of time-resolved measurements for the multichromophoric probe applied in the gelation process and molecular optimization data are discussed.     

Surface characteristics and wetting properties of sol–gel coated base paper

Two hybrid coatings synthesized by using alkoxysilanes as precursors in a sol–gel process, differing from each other in terms of the organic components in alkoxysilanes, have been developed to improve the water repellent properties of base paper. The sol–gel‐coated base paper samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and contact angle measurements. The sol–gel coatings were found to clearly change the surface properties of base paper. Thin coating layers were formed on base paper surfaces. The topographical data indicated the formation of discontinuous thin films; the time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analyses confirmed that the coatings were covering the fibres but only partially covered the fibre–fibre intersections. Water and the subsequent heat treatment used as a reference treatment reduced the surface roughness and porosity and slightly changed the surface chemistry of the base paper. The wettability and absorptivity of base paper was clearly reduced by the applied coatings. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The sol–gel synthesis of perovskites by an EDTA/citrate complexing method involves nanoscale solid state reactions

Nowadays, sol–gel procedures are well established in the synthesis of complex oxides as they allow to obtain phase pure products and to control precisely their stoichiometry. This quality makes them a tool of choice for the preparation of perovskite-type oxides. To optimize the functional properties of these materials, it is essential to set accurately their possible complex stoichiometries. However, details of the formation of the perovskite crystal remain obscure. Different stages of an ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA)/citrate-gel based synthesis process for mixed conducting (Ba_0.5Sr_0.5)(Fe_0.8Zn_0.2)O_3−δ of cubic perovskite structure are elucidated. The combination of analytical transmission electron microscopy with X-ray diffraction reveals that the perovskite-type oxide is formed already at moderate temperatures at around 700 °C via nanoscale solid state reactions between finely-dispersed crystalline intermediates identified as a spinel and a carbonate. The reaction scheme, however, is intricate and includes stuffed tridymite structures as transient phases. The ultrafine intermixing of extremely small reactants makes EDTA/citrate-gel based procedures superior to classical solid state routes with respect to applications that demand phase purity and stoichiometry control.     

Optochemical sensing by immobilizing fluorophore-encapsulating liposomes in sol–gel thin films

The chemical stability of optochemical sensors depends largely on the physiochemical properties of the supportive matrix of the sensor and on the method used to immobilize sensing reagents to the supportive matrix of the sensor. Leaking of physically immobilized sensing reagents from the matrix support decreases the stability of the sensor and its overall usefulness. Covalent immobilization eliminates leakage of the sensing reagent from the support but may lead to alteration of spectral properties and loss of analyte response. This paper presents a new method for physical immobilization of polar fluorescence dyes in a sensing support. The method is based on the immobilization of fluorescent dye encapsulating liposomes in a sol–gel film of micrometer thickness. The encapsulation of the dye molecules in the liposomes effectively increases the molecular dimensions of the sensing reagent, thus preventing its leakage from the matrix support. This paper describes the analytical properties of a pH sensor fabricated by immobilizing carboxyfluorescein-encapsulating liposomes in a sol–gel thin film. The sensor shows excellent stability with respect to dye leaking which in turn leads to high reproducibility and sensitivity of about 0.01 pH units. The linear dynamic range of the sensor is between pH 6 and 7.5 and its response time is at the sub-seconds time scale.     

Polymer–filler interactions in sol–gel derived polymer/silica hybrid nanocomposites

The effect of polymer–filler interaction on solvent swelling and dynamic mechanical properties of the sol–gel derived acrylic rubber (ACM)/silica, epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)/silica, and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/silica hybrid nanocomposites has been described for the first time. Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) at three different concentrations (10, 30, and 50 wt %) was used as the precursor for in situ silica generation. Equilibrium swelling of the hybrid nanocomposites in respective solvents at ambient condition showed highest volume fraction of the polymer in the swollen gel in PVA/silica system and least in ACM/silica, with ENR/silica recording an intermediate value. The Kraus constant (C) also followed a similar trend. In dynamic mechanical analysis, the storage modulus dropped at higher strain (>1%), which indicated disengagement of polymer segments from the filler surfaces. This drop was maximum in ACM/silica, intermediate in ENR/silica, and minimum in PVA/silica, both at 50 and 70 °C. The drop in modulus with theoretical volume fraction of silica (ϕ) was interpreted with the help of a Power law model ΔE′ = a₁ϕ, where a₁ was a constant and b₁ was primarily a filler attachment parameter. Strain dependence of loss modulus was observed in ACM/silica hybrid nanocomposites, while ENR/silica and PVA/silica nanocomposites showed almost strain‐independent behavior. The storage modulus showed sharp increase with increasing frequency in ACM/silica system, while that was lower in both ENR/silica (at higher frequency) and PVA/silica systems (in the entire frequency spectrum). The increase in modulus with ϕ also followed similar model ΔE′ = a₂ϕ proposed in the strain sweep mode. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 2399–2412, 2005     

Preparation and properties of silylated PTFE/SiO2 organic–inorganic hybrids via sol–gel process

A study on poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) reinforced with tetraethoxysilanes (TEOS) derived SiO₂ is described. It included the manufacturing process of SiO₂‐reinforced PTFE and the effects of silylation agent on the properties of the hybrid material, such as porosity, hydrophobic, thermal resistance, dielectric and mechanical properties, and microstructure. PTFE/SiO₂ hybrids of 50 wt % SiO₂ loading were prepared via a sol–gel process and were shaped by a two‐roll milling machine. Trimethylchlorosilane and hexamethydisilazane were used as the silylation agents. Our results showed that the water absorption and dielectric loss of PTFE/SiO₂ hybrid had significantly improved with silylation agent. The silylation process replaced Si? OH with Si? CH₃ on the surface of the TEOS‐derived silica colloidal particle. The existence of trimethylsilyl [? Si(CH₃)₃] on the surface of the modified PTFE/SiO₂ hybrid was confirmed via infrared and solid‐state ²⁹Si magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Nitrogen‐sorption techniques were used to characterize the modified and unmodified PTFE/SiO₂ hybrids. The microstructure of SiO₂ in the matrix was also evaluated with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Our results showed that the silylated sol–gel‐derived PTFE/SiO₂ hybrids had exhibited high porosity (53.7%) with nanosize pores (10–40 nm) and nanosize colloidal particles (20–50 nm). This manifests itself as have the ultralow dielectric properties (D_k = 1.9 and D_f = 0.0021), low coefficient of thermal expansion (66.5 ppm/°C), high tensile modulus (141 MPa), excellent thermal resistance (T_d = 612 °C), and an increased hydrophobia (θ = 114°); moreover, the hydrophobic property of the PTFE/SiO₂ hybrid was thermally stable up to 400 °C. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 1789–1807, 2004     

Preparation of polyimide/silica hybrid material by sol–gel process under basic catalysis: Comparison with acid conditions

Hybrid polyimide/silica materials were prepared from polyimides bearing reactive functions along the polymer backbone, which can react with. The silica phase was formed by sol–gel process using ammonium hydroxide catalyst. Silica fillers prepared under basic conditions were compared with materials prepared using chlorhydric acid. The synthesized hybrid materials were characterized by TGA, IRTF, and NMR. The density of the different systems was also measured. The morphology of these hybrid systems were investigated by both scanning and transmission electron microscope. Thermal properties of the composites were also evaluated by DSC and DMA. The morphology of silica fillers highly depends on the catalyst, on the reaction conditions of the sol–gel process, and the linking formation with the polyimide. It results that optimized conditions lead to homogeneous hybrid films containing 12 wt % of silica particles of about 20 nm. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1891–1902, 2008