Stuyding local interactions of organophosphonic modified surfaces through controlled synthesis, characterization and EPR spin probing

Several important applications such as separation and sensors are directly influenced by the materials properties involved. The surface properties and their specific interactions with molecules are key components that needs to be controlled and understood in detail to further progress materials development and performance. Organophosphonic acid modification is a known modification method for metal oxides, adding versatility of interactions of organic molecules to the robust and structural advantages of the inorganic support. Although several studies exist on correlating synthesis conditions with surface properties, detailed knowledge on their impact on specific interactions with molecules at the molecular scale are still lacking. Therefore, we would like to combine knowledge on controlled synthesis and material characterization with studies of dynamic local interaction behavior via in-situ EPR with spin probes and in-situ IR. We aim at: elucidating the correlation of synthesis conditions and the resulting surface properties to local interaction behavior influenced by contributions of the (packing density and type of) functional groups, un-bonded reactive groups of the organophosphonic acid and the titania surface, together determining the observed overall adsorption behavior. Moreover, we aim at revealing important aspects of the surface modification mechanisms by studying the probe mobility during grafting, in and with the surface grafted layer.

Keywords:SURFACE MODIFICATIONS

Disciplines:Analytical chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, Macromolecular and materials chemistry, Organic chemistry, Theoretical and computational chemistry, Other chemical sciences, Ceramic and glass materials, Materials science and engineering, Semiconductor materials, Other materials engineering