Hybrid organic-inorganic membranes from size exclusion deposition of fluorescent, octylene-bridged polysilsesquioxane particles

Zhe Li, Stephanie H. Tolbert, Douglas A. Loy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Hybrid organic-inorganic membranes were prepared by size exclusion deposition of fluorescent, octylene-bridged polysilsesquioxanes (OBP) nanoparticles onto ceramic membrane supports. Acid-catalyzed, sol-gel polymerization of 1,8-bis(triethoxysilyl)octane (BESO) was shown by dynamic light and scattering electron microscopy to afford spherical nanoparticles that, after 3-4 weeks, were sufficiently large enough to block the pores in porous, ceramic membranes with a 1.5 nm cut-off. The OBP particles were deposited by drawing a low concentration sol through the ceramic membrane. The OBP particles blocked the pores with an intractable, tightly packed layer 3 μm in thickness. The efficacy of size exclusion deposition was verified by incorporation of small amounts of a fluorescent, dansyl co-monomer into the particles and inspection of the membrane cross section by confocal fluorescence microscopy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)88-96
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Non-Crystalline Solids
Volume403
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2014

Keywords

  • Dansyl monomer
  • Membrane
  • Nanoparticles
  • Octylene-bridged polysilsesquioxanes
  • Size exclusion deposition

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Materials Chemistry

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