Formation of graphitic carbon nanofiber (GCNF)/silica gel composites using surface-functionalized GCNFs and sol-gel processing

Authors: J.i.a.n.g. Li; Charles M. Lukehart

Source: Composite Interfaces, Volume 11, Number 7, 2004 , pp. 525-535(11)

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Abstract:

Reaction of herring-bone graphitic carbon nanofibers (GCNFs) containing surface-bound acid chloride functional groups with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) leads to amide condensation and formation of carbon nanofibers surface-derivatized with pendant Si—OEt and Si—OH functional groups, GCNF-[C(O)NH(CH₂)₃Si(OEt)(OH)₂]_x. Addition of these GCNFs containing covalently bound 3-amidopropylsilyl linker molecules to silica sol-gel formulations gives GCNF/silica xerogels as dry black powders. Covalent binding of the linker molecule across the GCNF/ceramic interface is indicated by intermediate formation of especially stable GCNF/silica sol dispersions and the isolation of uniformly black GCNF/silica xerogel powders. SEM micrographs reveal excellent wetting of the carbon nanofiber surface by the silica xerogel matrix, and the presence of amido-carbonyl groups is confirmed from infrared spectral data. TGA plots show mass losses consistent with dehydration of the gel matrix and thermal decomposition of linker molecules at elevated temperature.

Keywords: GRAPHITIC CARBON NANOFIBERS; NANOFIBER/SILICA XEROGEL COMPOSITES; SOL-GEL CHEMISTRY; LINKER MOLECULES

Document Type: Letter section

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568554042722928

Publication date: 2004-12-01