Interaction of NaOH solutions with silica surfaces

Water-Induced Separation of Polymers from High Nanoparticle-Content Nanocomposite Films

Polymer nanocomposites with high loadings of nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit exceptional mechanical and transport properties. Separation of polymers and NPs from such nanocomposites is a critical step in enabling the recycling of these components and reducing the potential environmental hazards that can be caused by the accumulation of nanocomposite wastes in landfills. However, the separation typically requires the use of organic solvents or energy-intensive processes. Using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-infiltrated SiO2 NP films, we demonstrate that the polymers can be separated from the SiO2 NP packings when these nanocomposites are exposed to high humidity and water. The findings indicate that the charge state of the NPs plays a significant role in the propensity of water to undergo capillary condensation within the PDMS-filled interstitial pores. We also show that the size of NPs has a crucial impact on the kinetics and extent of PDMS expulsion, illustrating the importance of capillary forces in inducing PDMS expulsion. We demonstrate that the separated polymer can be collected and reused to produce a new nanocomposite film. The work provides insightful guidelines on how to design and fabricate end-of-life recyclable high-performance nanocomposites.

New Atomistic Insights on the Chemical Mechanical Polishing of Silica Glass with Ceria Nanoparticles

Reactive molecular dynamics simulations have been used to simulate the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process of silica glass surfaces with the ceria (111) and (100) surfaces, which are predominantly found in ceria nanoparticles. Since it is known that an alteration layer is formed at the glass surface as a consequence of the chemical interactions with the slurry solutions used for polishing, we have created several glass surface models with different degrees of hydroxylation and porosity for investigating their morphology and chemistry after the interaction with acidic, neutral, and basic water solutions and the ceria surfaces. Both the chemical and mechanical effects under different pressure and temperature conditions have been studied and clarified. According to the simulation results, we have found that the silica slab with a higher degree of hydroxylation (thicker alteration layer) is more reactive, suggesting that proper chemical treatment is fundamental to augment the polishing efficiency. The reactivity between the silica and ceria (111) surfaces is higher at neutral pH since more OH groups present at the two surfaces increased the Si-O-Ce bonds formed at the interface. Usually, an outermost tetrahedral silicate unit connected to the rest of the silicate network through a single bond was removed during the polishing simulations. We observed that higher pressure and temperature accelerated the removal of more SiO₄ units. However, excessively high pressure was found to be detrimental since the heterogeneous detachment of SiO₄ units led to rougher surfaces and breakage of the Si-O-Si bond, even in the bulk of the glass. Despite the lower concentration of Ce ions at the surface resulting in the lower amount of Si-O-Ce formed, the (100) ceria surface was intrinsically more reactive than (111). The different atomic-scale mechanisms of silica removal at the two ceria surfaces were described and discussed.

Applicability of the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann theory to contact angle problems and application to the carbon dioxide-brine-solid systems

In colloidal science and bioelectrostatics, the linear Poisson Boltzmann equation (LPBE) has been used extensively for the calculation of potential and surface charge density. Its fundamental assumption rests on the premises of low surface potential. In the geological sequestration of carbon dioxide in saline aquifers, very low pH conditions coupled with adsorption induced reduction of surface charge density result in low pH conditions that fit into the LPB theory. In this work, the Gouy-Chapman model of the electrical double layer has been employed in addition to the LPBE theory to develop a contact angle model that is a second-degree polynomial in pH. Our model contains the point of zero charge pH of solid surface. To render the model applicable to heterogeneous surfaces, we have further developed a model for the effective value of the point of zero charge pH. The point of zero charge pH model when integrated into our model enabled us to determine the point of zero charge pH of sandstone, quartz and mica using literature based experimental data. In this regard, a literature based thermodynamic model was used to calculate carbon dioxide solubility and pH of aqueous solution. Values of point of zero charge pH determined in this paper agree with reported ones. The novelty of our work stems from the fact that we have used the LPB theory in the context of interfacial science completely different from the classical approach, where the focus is on interparticle electrostatics involving colloidal stabilization.

Emerging Applications of Silica Nanoparticles as Multifunctional Modifiers for High Performance Polyester Composites

Nano-modification of polyester has become a research hotspot due to the growing demand for high-performance polyester. As a functional carrier, silica nanoparticles show large potential in improving crystalline properties, enhancing strength of polyester, and fabricating fluorescent polyester. Herein, we briefly traced the latest literature on synthesis of silica modifiers and the resultant polyester nanocomposites and presented a review. Firstly, we investigated synthesis approaches of silica nanoparticles for modifying polyester including sol-gel and reverse microemulsion technology, and their surface modification methods such as grafting silane coupling agent or polymer. Then, we summarized processing technics of silica-polyester nanocomposites, like physical blending, sol-gel processes, and in situ polymerization. Finally, we explored the application of silica nanoparticles in improving crystalline, mechanical, and fluorescent properties of composite materials. We hope the work provides a guideline for the readers working in the fields of silica nanoparticles as well as modifying polyester.

Corrosion comparison of free and roller surfaces of Fe70Si8B12Nb10 amorphous ribbon

The corrosion resistance of the free surface (FS) and roller surface (RS) of Fe₇₀Si₈B₁₂Nb₁₀ amorphous ribbon was systematically compared in simulated seawater (0.6 M NaCl). The electrochemical method and scanning electron microscopy showed that the FS corrosion resistance was higher than that of the RS. XPS etching and Mott–Schottky tests indicated that the passivation films on the FS and RS were divided into outer and inner layers. In the spinning process, the elements with a higher atomic mass tend to segregate toward the FS, while the elements with a lower atomic mass segregate toward the RS. These results provide data that can be used to improve the quality of melt spinning ribbons and to optimize the manufacturing of involved electric devices.

The two surfaces of the Fe₇₀Si₈B₁₂Nb₁₀ amorphous ribbon have very different corrosion resistances due to different structures.

Growing vertical aligned mesoporous silica thin film on nanoporous substrate for enhanced degradation, drug delivery and bioactivity

Mesoporous silica thin film has been widely used in various fields, particularly the medical implant coating for drug delivery. However, some drawbacks remain with the films produced by traditional method (evaporation-induced self-assembly, EISA), such as the poor permeability caused by their horizontal aligned mesochannels. In this study, the vertical aligned mesoporous silica thin film (VMSTF) is uniformly grown alongside the walls of titania nanotubes array via a biphase stratification growth method, resulting in a hierarchical two-layered nanotubular structure. Due to the exposure of opened mesopores, VMSTF exhibits more appealing performances, including rapid degradation, efficient small-molecular drug (dexamethasone) loading and release, enhanced early adhesion and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. This is the first time successfully depositing VMSTF on nanoporous substrate and our findings suggest that the VMSTF may be a promising candidate for bone implant surface coating to obtain bioactive performances.

Top-Down Synthesis of NaP Zeolite from Natural Zeolite for the Higher Removal Efficiency of Cs, Sr, and Ni

A solid phase of natural zeolite was transformed to Na-zeolite P (NaP zeolite) by a “top-down approach” hydrothermal reaction using 3 M of NaOH solution in a 96 °C oven. Time-dependent X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), XRF, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis as well as kinetic, isotherm, and cation exchange capacity experiments were performed to understand the mechanism of mineral transition from natural zeolite to NaP zeolite. The XRD crystal peaks of the natural zeolite decreased (decrystallization phase) first, and then the NaP zeolite XRD crystal peaks increased gradually (recrystallization phase). From the XRF results, the dissolution rate of Si was slow in the recrystallization phase, while it was rapid in the decrystallization phase. The specific surface area measured by BET analysis was higher in NaP zeolite (95.95 m2/g) compared to that of natural zeolite (31.35 m2/g). Furthermore, pore structure analysis confirmed that NaP zeolites have more micropores than natural zeolite. In the kinetic experiment, the results showed that the natural zeolite and NaP zeolite were well matched with a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and reached equilibrium within 24 h. The isotherm experiment results confirmed that both zeolites were well matched with the Langmuir isotherm, and the maximum removal capacity (Qmax) values of Sr and Ni were highly increased in NaP zeolite. In addition, the cation exchange capacity (CEC) experiment showed that NaP zeolite has an enhanced CEC of 310.89 cmol/kg compared to natural zeolite (CEC = 119.19 cmol/kg). In the actual batch sorption test, NaP zeolite (35.3 mg/g) still showed high Cs removal efficiency though it was slightly lower than the natural zeolite (39.0 mg/g). However, in case of Sr and Ni, NaP zeolite (27.9 and 27.8 mg/g, respectively) showed a much higher removal efficiency than natural zeolite (4.9 and 5.5 mg/g for Sr and Ni, respectively). This suggests that NaP zeolite, synthesized by a top-down desilication method, is more practical to remove mixed radionuclides from a waste solution.

Surface Energies and Structure of Salt-Brine Interfaces

Permeability of salt formations is controlled by the equilibrium between the salt-brine and salt-salt interfaces described by the dihedral angle, which can change with the composition of the intergranular brine. Here, classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to investigate the structure and properties of the salt-brine interface to provide insight into the stability of salt systems. Mixed NaCl-KCl brines were investigated to explore differences in ion size on the surface energy and interface structure. Nonlinearity was noted in the salt-brine surface energy with increasing KCl concentration, and the addition of 10% KCl increased surface energies by 2-3 times (5.0 M systems). Size differences in Na⁺ and K⁺ ions altered the packing of dissolved ions and water molecules at the interface, impacting the surface energy. Additionally, ions at the interface had lower numbers of coordinating water molecules than those in the bulk and increased hydration for ions in systems with 100% NaCl or 100% KCl brines. Ultimately, small changes in brine composition away from pure NaCl altered the structure of the salt-brine interface, impacting the dihedral angle and the predicted equilibrium permeability of salt formations.

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)@ZIF-67 composites—a new type of heterogeneous catalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are encapsulated in 50 nm thick shells of ZIF-67, producing novel nano-sized composites HNTs@ZIF-67.

Nano-interfacial decoration of Halloysite Nanotubes for the development of antimicrobial nanocomposites

In recent times, incorporation of Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs) with various antimicrobial agents as interfacial materials between these nanotubes and pathogenic microorganisms, for the development of antimicrobial nanocomposites with enhanced antimicrobial activities has gained researcher's interest. The main benefits given by HNT to these nanocomposites include enhanced thermal and mechanical stability of the antimicrobial nanocomposites and also prolong durability and release of the antimicrobial agents in a sustained manner. The exceptional structure of these aluminosilicate minerals based nanotubes (hollow tubular lumen with huge surface area) and oppositely charged surface molecules assist in attaching various molecules on both, the internal surface as well as on the outer surface of these nanotubes. Other advantages of these clay-based minerals are their biocompatibility, non-toxicity, eco-friendly nature and their natural availability with affordable price, which also contribute in selecting them as supporting material for biological applications. Therefore, these clay-based nanotubes have been recently used for developing various antimicrobial nanocomposites. In this review, various antimicrobial nanocomposites developed through incorporation of HNT with myriad antimicrobial agents such as nanoparticles, metal ions, antibiotics, essential oils, biopolymers, phenolic compounds, surfactants and food preservatives as an interface between these nanotubes and microorganisms have been discussed. These antimicrobial nanocomposites could be synthesized in different forms (powder, film, nanocapsule and adhesive) which can be applicable in various fields such as food packaging, water decontamination, waste water management, healing of wounds, antimicrobial agents for surfaces, orthopedics and for the treatment of microbial infections.

A competitive colorimetric chloramphenicol assay based on the non-cross-linking deaggregation of gold nanoparticles coated with a polyadenine-modified aptamer

A competitive colorimetric assay has been established to detect chloramphenicol (CAP). It is based on the use of colloidal and electrostatically stabilized aptamer-modified gold nanoparticles (GNPs). The CAP aptamer is modified by a sequence of 5 adenosine groups to anchor it on the surface of GNPs. It can competitively capture two compounds, viz. D-(-)-threo-2-amino-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3-propanediol (CAP-base, with a positive charge) and CAP (which is uncharged). The capture of the positively charged CAP-base triggers the aggregation of modified GNPs in salt-containing solution, and this causes a color change from red to purple. However, in the presence of CAP and CAP-base, the capture of the uncharged CAP weakens this color change by a competing process for capture. Thus, the concentration of CAP is associated with the degree of deaggregation of GNPs and can be quantified by the ratio of absorbances at 620 nm and 520 nm. The assay has a 22 nM limit of detection in acidic solution, and the response is linear in the range of 0.20 to 3.20 μM CAP concentration. This assay was successfully applied to the determination of CAP in spiked environmental water samples. Conceivably, this method has a wide scope in that it may be applied to a wide range of analytes if respective aptamers are available. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of a competitive non-cross linking deaggregating method for detecting chloramphenicol. The surface charge of polyA-Apt@GNPs and its aggregation degree (purple) are determined by the charge of target. (CAP-base: precursor of CAP; PolyA-Apt@GNPs: 5'-polyA-modified DNA aptamer functionalized gold nanoparticles.).

Surface modified halloysite nanotubes: A flexible interface for biological, environmental and catalytic applications

Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs) are clay minerals that possess unique chemical composition and a tubular structure due to which, they have recently emerged as a potential nanomaterial for umpteen applications. Over the years, the myriad applications of HNT have been realized through the surface modification of HNT, which involves the modification of nanotube's inner lumen and the outer surface with different functional compounds. The presence of aluminum and silica groups on the inner and outer surface of HNT enhance the interfacial relationship of the nanotube with different functional agents. Compounds such as alkalis, organosilanes, polymers, compounds of biological origin, surfactants and nanomaterials have been used for the modification of the inner lumen and the outer surface of HNT. The strategies change the constitution of HNT's surface either through micro-disintegration of the surface or by introducing additional functional groups on the surface, which further enhances their potential to be used as a flexible interface for different applications. In this review, the different surface modification strategies of the outer surface and the inner lumen that have been employed over the years have been discussed. The biological, environmental and catalytic applications of these surface modified HNTs with such versatile interface in the past two years have been elaborately discussed as well.

Concerted Metal Cation Desorption and Proton Transfer on Deprotonated Silica Surfaces

The adsorption equilibrium constants of monovalent and divalent cations to material surfaces in aqueous media are central to many technological, natural, and geochemical processes. Cation adsorption-desorption is often proposed to occur in concert with proton transfer on hydroxyl-covered mineral surfaces, but to date this cooperative effect has been inferred indirectly. This work applies density functional theory-based molecular dynamics simulations of explicit liquid water/mineral interfaces to calculate metal ion desorption free energies. Monodentate adsorption of Na⁺, Mg²⁺, and Cu²⁺ on partially deprotonated silica surfaces are considered. Na⁺ is predicted to be unbound, while Cu²⁺ exhibits binding free energies to surface SiO^- groups that are larger than those of Mg²⁺. The predicted trends agree with competitive adsorption measurements on fumed silica surfaces. As desorption proceeds, Cu²⁺ dissociates one of the H₂O molecules in its first solvation shell, turning into Cu²⁺(OH^-)(H₂O)₃, while Mg remains Mg²⁺(H₂O)₆. The protonation state of the SiO^- group at the initial binding site does not vary monotonically with cation desorption.

Electrokinetic flow of an aqueous electrolyte in amorphous silica nanotubes

We study the pressure-driven flow of aqueous NaCl in amorphous silica nanotubes using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations featuring both polarizable and non-polarizable molecular models.