Effect of additive ratio of mixed silane alkoxides on reactivity with TiO2 nanoparticle surface and their stability in organic solvents

To improve stability of TiO2 nanoparticles in various organic solvents, their surface was modified using a mixture of silane coupling agents having hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups. Decyltrimethoxysilane (DTMS) and phenyltrimethoxysilane (PTMS) were used as the former and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS), as the latter. First, effects of mixing ratios of silane coupling agents on reactivity with TiO2 nanoparticle surfaces were investigated. The addition of APTMS increased the pH value of TiO2 nanoparticle suspension due to the presence of the amine group and largely affected to the reacted amount of hydrophobic silanes. Next, relationships between the reacted amounts of silanes and their dispersion stability in various organic solvents were then investigated. Surface-modified TiO2 nanoparticles were re-dispersible into low-polar solvents such as hexane, toluene, and THF when the reacted amount of hydrophobic silane was relatively high; however, TiO2 nanoparticles were re-dispersible in highly polar solvents when the reacted amount of hydrophilic silanes increased. By controlling the amount of hydrophilic and hydrophobic silanes added, it is possible to effectively improve the dispersion stability of TiO2 nanoparticles in various organic solvents.