Functionalization of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles to Influence Hydrophobic Properties

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Abstract
Electroless functionalization of cerium oxide nanoparticles (NPs) based on the grafting of aryl groups from the reduction of diazonium salts is presented as a useful and facile method for enhancing the properties of the NPs. For this study, 4-methyl- , 4-ethyl- , and 4-n-butyl- benzene diazonium salts were used as model molecules to demonstrate the ability to change the hydrophobic properties of the cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles. The grafting reaction was investigated under two reducing environments; the addition of a chemical reducing agent, and the use of cerium oxide’s native reducing property. Spectroscopic evidence for the successful attachment of aryl groups to the CeO2 nanoparticles was given by IR and 13C SS-NMR, which clearly detect characteristic aryl C-C peaks and the alkyl chains. XRD results confirmed that the NPs underlying crystal structure was unaffected by the grafting process. Thermal gravimetric analysis of the nanoparticles suggested that this method enables the formation of multilayers at the surface, as well as an increase in hydrophobic character. Hydrophobic properties of the resultant nanoparticles further examined with a water contact angle test on pressed pellets revealed increases in hydrophobicity with increasing alkyl chain length. This research opens up new possibilities for controlling the surface chemical composition of CeO2 nanoparticles as well as other nanoparticles using procedures operated in aqueous environments at room temperature.
Funding Information
  • University of North Texas

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