title: EPR spectroscopic investigation of the sol-gel transition in modified tetraethylorthosilicate gels.
abstract: Cu(2+) ions are used to follow the sol-gel transition in amino-modified TEOS mixtures. In contrast to unmodified TEOS gels, fixation of the spin probe (Cu(2+)) to the sol particle surface takes place and changes in mobility are detectable. Furthermore, we find changes in the coordination sphere of the copper ions and a temporary loss of EPR intensity. By using a simple kinetic model it is possible to estimate the rate constants of the condensation and syneresis processes.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physical Chemistry, Lessingstrasse 10, D-07743 Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Breyer
authors.forename: F W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Breitbarth
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Vogelsberger