Synthesis and characterization of core‐shell SiO₂ nanoparticles/poly(3‐aminophenylboronic acid) composites

Abstract

Abstract SiO 2 /Poly(3‐aminophenylboronic acid) (PAPBA) composites were synthesized under different experimental conditions, using ultrasonic irradiation method. Polymerization was carried out in the presence of sodium fluoride and D ‐fructose to anchor 3‐aminophenylboronic acid groups on to SiO 2 surface. The SiO 2 /PAPBA nanocomposite prepared by NaF and D ‐fructose in the polymerization medium was found to show different morphology, electrical properties, thermal behavior and structural characterization in comparison to the nanocomposites prepared under other conditions. Ultrasonic irradiation minimizes the aggregation of nanosilica and promotes anchoring of PAPBA units over SiO 2 surface. The morphology of PAPBA/ SiO 2 nanocomposite was investigated by using transmission electron microscopy, UV‐visible spectroscopy; thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis were used for characterization. Transmission electron microscope of the nanocomposites observation shows that SiO 2 /PAPBA composite, prepared with D ‐fructose and NaF under ultrasonication has a core–shell morphology. The thermal and crystalline properties of core‐shell SiO 2 /PAPBA nanocomposite was prepared via ultrasonication method is different from the SiO 2 /PAPBA nanocomposite prepared via conventional stirring method, in which SiO 2 nanoparticles are submerged in PAPBA. Conductivity of the composite prepared via ultrasonication shows around 0.2 S/cm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2743–2750, 2007