UV/Vis photocatalytic functionalization of TiO2nanoparticle surfaces toward water repellent properties

Abstract

Surface modification reactions on inorganic nanoparticles have become a significant tool in attempts to manipulate their physical and chemical properties according to the application’s aim. However, overcoming their extensive aggregation and difficulties in their homogeneous dispersion in a number of organic media is critical to their exploitation. In this context, an alteration in the surface chemistry of nanoparticles has become an indispensable step in their further utilization. This work is devoted to the application of light (UV and visible) and sonication for the initiation of surface reactions on TiO₂ nanoparticles with (3-chloropropyl)triethoxysilane, making them highly reactive species, and preparing them for further utilization. It was shown that all three methods were successful for TiO₂ nanoparticle functionalization, and that light-initiated reactions are more effective than the sonication process under the same reaction conditions. Chloropropyl functionalities were introduced onto the nanoparticle surfaces, followed by intensive silylation, leading to the superhydrophobic and water repellent properties of the functionalized TiO₂ nanoparticles.