Hybridisation of sebacic acid on the surface of γ-alumina nanoparticles in sub- And supercritical water

Abstract

The surface modification of γ-alumina nanoparticles by sebacic acid in super- and subcritical water was investigated. The modified alumina was characterised by Fourier-transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns, transmission electron microscopy images, and thermogravimetric studies. The alumina nanoparticles were found to remain stable, and sebacic acid was bound to their surfaces at 200 °C, but their crystallite structure was partially changed to that of boehmite above 200 °C. Under supercritical conditions at 400 °C, the alumina nanoparticles were totally changed to boehmite nanoparticles. The surface adsorption of sebacic acid is attributed to reactions between the surface-OH groups of alumina and the-COOH groups of sebacic acid. The modified alumina nanoparticles have-COOH groups on their surface, enabling hybridisation with various biomolecules, and thus allowing their application in several areas. © 2010 Verlag der Zeitschrift für Naturforschung, Tübingen.