Functionalization of TiO 2 and Janus-TiO 2 Nanoparticles with Organosilanes for Tunable Pickering Emulsification and Photocatalytic Wastewater Treatment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide This study examines the use of organosilanes to functionalize titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) and Janus-TiO 2 nanoparticles, enabling precise control of surface chemistry for stabilizing Pickering emulsions. Organosilanes with varying hydrophobic chain lengths─3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS), octyltrichlorosilane (OTS), and trichloro(octadecyl)silane (ODTS)─were employed to modify TiO 2 surfaces, creating nanoparticles with tailored wettability. Comprehensive characterization, including contact angle measurements, FT-IR, TGA, and zeta potential analysis, confirmed successful modification and demonstrated the correlation between nanoparticle surface properties and emulsification efficiency. APS-functionalized particles exhibited enhanced emulsion stability, achieving prolonged stability through droplet flocculation and reduced mobility. An optimal contact angle window (∼10°–40°) was identified for effective emulsification, providing a framework for designing robust Pickering emulsifiers. Comparative analysis revealed ODTS’s superior performance over OTS, attributed to its longer alkyl chain imparting steric hindrance, which was insufficient in OTS-modified particles. Photodegradation studies of a model naphthenic acid revealed enhanced emulsion stability for Janus-TiO 2 and TiO 2 -APS emulsions, enabling easy photocatalyst reuse and recovery. These findings offer valuable insights for the development of versatile, surface-engineered Pickering emulsifiers with potential applications in photocatalytic wastewater treatment applications and beyond.
Source: ACS Omega
Authors: Zygimantas Gricius, Gisle Øye
Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,935
OpenAlex ID: W4414449582