An Easy and Efficient Method to Functionalize Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles with Maleic Anhydride

Abstract

In this work, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were functionalized with maleic anhydride (MA), using a non-polar (toluene) and polar protic (ethanol) solvents. The concentrations of MA in the reaction were varied to obtain the desired degree of functionalization. The samples were characterized with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Diffuse Reflectance UV-Vis Spectroscopy (DRS), Thermal Analysis (TGA-DTA) and Nitrogen Adsorption (BET). The physical adsorption of organic molecules was eliminated by washing a number of times in water. Chemical stability between solid-organic phases was confirmed by TOC and thermal analysis. FT-IR and DRS results clearly show the chemical adsorption of MA on the TiO2. The UV-Vis spectroscopy is claimed to be a suitable technique to determine the achievement of TiO2 functionalization. Two different adsorptions geometries of MA were proposed. The presence of MA on the surface TiO2 increases the band gap. These results imply that TiO2 can be excited with less energy and increase the absorption of light in the visible region. The effectiveness of the functionalized nanoparticles to interact with organic materials is currently being studied with the intention of applying them in the energy and environmental sanitation fields.

Extrinsic Point Defects in TiO2–Acetylacetone Charge-Transfer Complex and Their Effects on Optical and Photochemical Properties

“…The formation of the complex, formed between TiO 2 and ACAC molecules, was identified through the wavenumber distance between the asymmetric and symmetric carboxyl stretching bands (Δν = ν asymmetric – ν symmetric ). The obtained value of Δν = ν asymmetric – ν symmetric = Δν = 1530 – 1415 = 115 cm –1 is a fingerprint of the formation of the complex via bidentate chelating-type interaction − between ACAC and TiO 2 , as reported by Sannino et al and Aronne et al…”

Effects of micro‐nano titania contents and maleic anhydride compatibilization on the mechanical performance of polylactide

“…Normally, this type of chemical interaction between the MA and TiO 2 surfaces could be revealed by the formation of Ti‐O‐C bands corresponding to 1160 cm −1 and 1096 cm −1. It is also known that after that type of interaction, shifting and/or decrease in the intensity of the MA carbonyl C=O stretching vibrations (at 1774 cm −1 and 1850 cm −1 ) could be observed. However, due to the overlapping of the broad and intense C–O stretching vibrations (around 1100‐1200 cm −1 ) and the antisymmetric C=O stretching (at 1746 cm −1 ) of PLA matrix, it was not possible to distinguish them in Figure .…”