I am doing APTES functionalization of 1 micron mono-dispersed silica particles ( directly purchased) in ethanol solvent. I am using 7.5 ml silane for 0.5 g particles in 25 ml ethanol.Tried many experiments using absolute ethanol, dried ethanol at room temperatures as well at high temp 80 degree while simply adding silane to the sonicated suspension Also did experiments doing prior hydrolysis of silane in absolute ethanol + 3 % water a pH =4 (maintained using acetic acid). My concern is I am not able to see T sites after silane functionalization , only Q sites can be seen from particles. Does it implies functionalization is not happening or something else.Kindly suggest what can I do.
Thanks
Divika