The preparation of a silica nanoparticle hybrid ionic nanomaterial and its electrical properties

Abstract

The silica nanoparticles were used as the core, 3-(trihydroxysilyl)–1-propane-sulfonic acid (SIT) was covalently grafted on to the surface of silica via the dehydration reaction and then polyoxyethylene octadecylamine (Ethomeen18/25) was grafted onto the surface of nanoparticles through electrovalent bonding, yielding the hybrid ionic nanomaterials termed as SiO₂/SIT/Ethomeen. The SiO₂/SIT/Ethomeen exhibits liquid-like behavior and exists as a golden yellow transparent liquid at room temperature. The content of the silica nanoparticles reaches up to 25 wt%. At lower temperature, the hybrid ionic nanomaterials exhibit the “false reunion” phenomenon, as observed by TEM. When heated, the phenomenon disappears and the silica nanoparticles embody monodispersity. Their alternate current resistance was studied in view of the poly (ionic liquid) canopy. The alternate current resistance machine demonstrated that the conductivity can reach 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹. The battery properties of SiO₂/SIT/Ethomeen as an electrolyte additive for lithium ion battery suggests SiO₂/SIT/Ethomeen is a promising candidate for application in the battery field.