Talc-like hybrids: influence of the synthesis

Abstract

This study aims to understand how the synthesis parameters influence the formation of organic–inorganic hybrids having a talc like structure synthesized using N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine as the silicon source. The hybrids have been analysed mainly by ²⁹Si solid-state NMR in order to access the condensation degree of the silicon species. The results have shown that the solvent and the synthesis duration have no influence on the condensation. The addition of water in the synthesis medium induces a strong decrease of the degree of polycondensation of the silicon species. A basic pH of the synthesis medium can also further decrease this parameter. Additional information has been provided by X-Ray Diffraction and Thermogravimetric analysis which allow highlighting a correlation between the Full Width at Half Maximum and the thermal stability of the hybrids synthesized in the presence of different amounts of water. This opens the possibility of modulating the polycondensation degree of the silicic species, the crystallinity and the thermal stability changing only one parameter.