Capping and passivation of aluminum nanoparticles using alkyl-substituted epoxides.
We report here on the synthesis and passivation of small (20-30 nm) aluminum nanoparticles using alkyl-substituted epoxides as capping agents. FTIR and 13C NMR spectroscopy indicate that the epoxides polymerize to form a polyether cap on the surfaces of the aluminum nanoparticles. Nanoparticles capped with epoxyhexane and epoxydodecane are stable in air, but particles capped with epoxyisobutane are pyrophoric. TEM images show spherical Al particles. Powder X-ray diffraction shows the presence of crystalline Al. Titrimetric analysis of the core-shell nanostructures in air reveals that 96% of the total aluminum present is active (unoxidized) aluminum.
Chung
Stephen W
SW
Saint Louis University, Department of Chemistry, 3501 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, USA.
Guliants
Elena A
EA
Bunker
Christopher E
CE
Hammerstroem
Douglas W
DW
Deng
Yong
Y
Burgers
Mark A
MA
Jelliss
Paul A
PA
Buckner
Steven W
SW