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Optimization of novel organosilica particle synthesis
We are looking for a motivated material, mechanical engineering or chemistry student to help us with the optimisation of novel, highly functionalized silica particles. The project includes synthesis (which is rather straight forward) and extensive characterization with SEM, DLS, TGA.
Keywords: Nanoparticle, silica, chemistry synthesis, SEM, thermoresponsive colloidal gel, 3D printing
Silica particles are used in various of applications, such as storage and high-performance catalysis, but also academic applications where silica nanoparticles are used as building blocks for a colloidal gel network. Pure silica particles can be fabricated using different strategies, one of which being the well understood “Stöber process”, where a silane such as tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) is added to a mixture of ethanol, water and ammonia. The particle size can easily be tuned by changing the composition of the mixture in order to get monodisperse colloids. Different kinds of organosilica particles have already been synthesized using silanes with a functional group such as amine , thiol, epoxy, etc, but are difficult to synthesize in a monodisperse and uniform manner. The particle formation process is not that well understood as for TEOS particles, however they have the advantage of having a high functional group density, which will enable grafting of larger molecules to the particle surface.
In this project, we first want to develop a protocol to synthesize round, monodisperse organosilica particles of a controllable size in a reproducible manner. In a second step, we will investigate the synthesis of rough particles by using a mix of different silane precursors.
Silica particles are used in various of applications, such as storage and high-performance catalysis, but also academic applications where silica nanoparticles are used as building blocks for a colloidal gel network. Pure silica particles can be fabricated using different strategies, one of which being the well understood “Stöber process”, where a silane such as tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) is added to a mixture of ethanol, water and ammonia. The particle size can easily be tuned by changing the composition of the mixture in order to get monodisperse colloids. Different kinds of organosilica particles have already been synthesized using silanes with a functional group such as amine , thiol, epoxy, etc, but are difficult to synthesize in a monodisperse and uniform manner. The particle formation process is not that well understood as for TEOS particles, however they have the advantage of having a high functional group density, which will enable grafting of larger molecules to the particle surface. In this project, we first want to develop a protocol to synthesize round, monodisperse organosilica particles of a controllable size in a reproducible manner. In a second step, we will investigate the synthesis of rough particles by using a mix of different silane precursors.
This is a Bachelor, Semester, Master project which goal it is to optimize the synthesis of novel highly functionalized silica nanoparticles. These particles will then be used as a core particle for the fabrication of polymer grafted thermoresponsive particles.
This is a Bachelor, Semester, Master project which goal it is to optimize the synthesis of novel highly functionalized silica nanoparticles. These particles will then be used as a core particle for the fabrication of polymer grafted thermoresponsive particles.
If interested, please don't hesitate to contact Florence (florence.mueller@mat.ethz.ch)
If interested, please don't hesitate to contact Florence (florence.mueller@mat.ethz.ch)