FTIR Characterization of the Reactive Interface of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles Embedded in Polymeric Matrices

Abstract

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used as a novel characterization method to determine the properties of the interface that developed when cobalt oxide nanoparticles were self-assembled in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. The method employed the distinct changes that were observed in the infrared spectra of the polymer upon adsorption onto the cobalt oxide nanoparticles, allowing a quantitative determination of the average number of contact points that the average polymer chain formed with the surface of a cobalt oxide nanoparticle of average size. The results obtained with this method compared favorably to those obtained by the coupling of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). On the basis of both methods, we concluded that the interfacial region created between the cobalt oxide nanoparticles and PMMA is extremely sensitive to the chain length, i.e., the number of anchor points and the density of the polymer layer increase with chain molecular weight. At molecular weights of approximately 250,000, the density of the polymer layer saturates at a value that correspond to that of very thin PMMA films.

A stable lead halide perovskite nanocrystals protected by PMMA

“…The other method to stabilize HOIPs against water is covering them with waterresistant materials including mesoporous inorganic matrices [19][20][21][22] or organic small molecules [23]. Most recently, microencapsulation of polymer was found to offer a barrier to moisture [24][25][26][27], but the methods tend to generate lead ions at the surface and the easily exfoliated coating due to the weak chemical bonds [28].…”

“…To bond the Pb cations of perovskite NCs, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was introduced on HOIP NCs by LAR method. A strong attractive interaction brings about a compact interface [28,31,32], which can effectively retard the diffusion of water into NCs for the decreased intermolecular spaces. Due to the ester carbonyl groups of PMMA, the obtained composite HOIP films show good quality, pure colors and ultrahigh stability against heat and water.…”

Preparation and characterization of poly(lactic acid)-grafted TiO2 nanoparticles with improved dispersions

“…The region of interfacial zone called interphase between the polymer matrix and nanoparticles plays a significant role to the overall properties of nanocomposite [2,3]. Classical composite theory indicates that improved bonding between the polymer matrix and nanoparticles leads to improved mechanical properties [4][5][6].…”

Nanotechnology: Development and challenges in Indonesia

“…Unlike in composite with micro-or larger sized reinforcements, effect of particles either submicron-or nano-sized particles are found to be more unpredictable, sometimes enhancing the properties while other times diminishing it [7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Therefore, an appropriate design and selection of the nano-scaled building blocks and organic matrix are the prerequisites for synthesizing nanocomposite.…”