Colloidal Stability of TiO₂ Nanoparticles: The Roles of Phosphonate Ligand Length and Solution Temperature

Abstract

Invited for the cover of this issue are Dr. Shohei Yamashita, Tatsuya Sudo, Prof. Dr. Hidehiro Kamiya, and Prof. Dr. Yohei Okada at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. The image depicts the role of phosphonate ligand length in the colloidal stability of TiO2 nanoparticles. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202201560.

A Quantitative Approach to Characterize the Surface Modification on Nanoparticles Based on Localized Dielectric Environments

“…NPs modified with a nonpolar ligand exhibit superior dispersibility in nonpolar solvents (e.g., toluene and n -hexane). − Owing to chemisorbed organic modifiers on NPs, the dispersibility of NPs could be drastically altered. , By using such surface-modified NPs, polymer nanocomposites with better NP dispersibility have been developed. Particularly in the field of electronics, a higher dispersibility of nanofillers (e.g., barium titanate (BaTiO 3 )) is required to improve the electrochemical performance and transparency of nanocomposites. − On the other hand, some organically modified NPs are less dispersible in polar organic solvents such as DMSO, acetone, etc. , Possible approaches to tune the dispersibility of NPs in solvents, via surface modification, are (1) a combined use of modifiers and (2) a quantitative control of the ratio of modifier to surface silanol group .…”

“… 17 − 20 Owing to chemisorbed organic modifiers on NPs, the dispersibility of NPs could be drastically altered. 21 , 22 By using such surface-modified NPs, polymer nanocomposites with better NP dispersibility have been developed. Particularly in the field of electronics, a higher dispersibility of nanofillers (e.g., barium titanate (BaTiO 3 )) is required to improve the electrochemical performance and transparency of nanocomposites.…”