Applications of primary alkylamines in nanoparticles formation and stabilization

Abstract

Fatty amines or primary alkyl-amines like hexylamine, Octylamine, Decylamine, Dodecylamine, Tetradecylamine, Hexadecylamine, and Octadecylamine have been used widely in nanoparticles formation, preparation and for stabilization issue; due to their low toxicity and easily utility. The most common use of fatty amines in many research work that has been reviewed is as capping and stabilizing agent for the nanoparticles, and that is related to their abilities to stabilize nanoparticles and reduce Ostwald ripening after nanoparticles formation. Moreover, Fatty amines surfactants have been reported in many research works to assist the formation of monodisperse size because they can be adsorbed on the surface of nanoparticles which limit variability in nanoparticles size and also they can form a coat around nanoparticles that prevent agglomeration or aggregation of nanoparticles. Also, other uses that have been addressed for fatty amines as they served as hydrophobic part due to hydrocarbon chain tail. These tails for fatty amines especially those with long hydrocarbon chain more than 12 carbons like; Dodecylamine C12, tetradecylamine C14, hexadecylamine C16 and octadecylamine C18 can be fabricated and conjugated with other molecules or polymers for many nanoparticles synthesis which can help in the self-assembly of nanoparticles. Moreover, due to their high boiling point; they used as solvents and reaction catalyst facilitate the formation of nanoparticles. Finally, fatty amines surfactant used as the ligating compound also assist the formation of nanoparticles.