Surface modification and characterization for dispersion stability of inorganic nanometer-scaled particles in liquid media

Abstract

Inorganic nanoparticles are indispensable for science and technology as materials, pigments and cosmetics products. Improving the dispersion stability of nanoparticles in various liquids is essential for those applications. In this review, we discuss why it is difficult to control the stability of nanoparticles in liquids. We also overview the role of surface interaction between nanoparticles in their dispersion and characterization, e.g. by colloid probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM). Two types of surface modification concepts, post-synthesis and modification, were investigated in many previous studies. Here, we focus on post-synthesis modification using adsorption of various kinds of polymer dispersants and surfactants on the particle surface, as well as surface chemical reactions of silane coupling agents. We discuss CP-AFM as a technique to analyze the surface interaction between nanoparticles and the effect of surface modification on the nanoparticle dispersion in liquids.

Roles of in situ surface modification in controlling the growth and crystallization of CaCO3 nanoparticles, and their dispersion in polymeric materials

“…One of these strategies is to modify the inorganic NPs surface with surfactants and therefore improve the affinity of the NPs for the polymers. Grafting the surfactants onto the inorganic NPs surface has been done by either post or in situ synthesis modification [5,6]. In post modification, the surfactant is added in a separate step following the synthesis [7].…”

A one-step electrospray-based technique for modulating morphology and surface properties of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles using Pluronics®

“…[20][21][22][23] While these polymers are biocompatible and biodegradable, their hydrophobicity can lead to the formation of unstable suspensions. 24 More specifically, in aqueous dispersions, strong hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions lead to insufficient wetting and, as a consequence, agglomeration of hydrophobic particles. The agglomeration in turn can compromise utility as it can adversely affect degradation kinetics and cellular uptake.…”

A facile fabrication of light diffusing film with LDP/polyacrylates composites coating for anti-glare LED application

“…Surface modification of particles [29][30][31] and in situ polymerization [32][33][34][35] are reported to effectively obtain composite with particles homogeneously dispersed in matrix. To investigate the influence of the pretreatment of the LDP, FTIR was used to characterize the structure changing of LDP before and after pretreatment as illustrated in Fig.…”