Hello Research community,
I am currently investigating the decomposition of a glycol and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) colloidal solution within the framework of the polyol process. My objective is to selectively break down the glycol and PVP—using chemical pathways, as opposed to physical methods such as UV irradiation or centrifugation.
I would greatly appreciate any insights or recommendations regarding effective chemical strategies for this purpose. Specifically, I am interested in reagents or reaction conditions that can facilitate the degradation or removal of glycol and PVP without adversely affecting the integrity of the metallic nanoparticles typically synthesized via the polyol route.
Chemically degrade glycol and PVP by oxidative methods (e.g., hydrogen peroxide with catalysts) or alkaline hydrolysis to break their structures without harming metallic nanoparticles. Controlled oxidation and acid/base treatments selectively target the polymers and glycols for removal.
Thank you Abdelhak Maghchiche for your reply. Could you please suggest some articles regarding the same?
-Amiri, P., Behin, J., & Ghanbariebad, S. (2023). Degradation of polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated iron oxide nanoparticles through ozonation: Steric to electrosteric repulsion and electrostatic interactions. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 675, 131995. -Giroto, J. A., Teixeira, A. C., Nascimento, C. A., & Guardani, R. (2010). Degradation of poly (ethylene glycol) in aqueous solution by photo-Fenton and H2O2/UV processes. Industrial & engineering chemistry research, 49(7), 3200-3206. -Liang, J., Zhang, D., Cao, Y., Xue, K., Xia, Y., & Qi, Z. (2022). Insight into pyrolysis mechanism of 1, 2-propylene glycol: Based on density functional theory and wavefunction analysis. Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling, 116, 108277. -Ye, L., Zhang, F., Zhang, L., & Qi, F. (2012). Theoretical studies on the unimolecular decomposition of propanediols and glycerol. The Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 116(18), 4457-4465. -https://chemrxiv.org/engage/api-gateway/chemrxiv/assets/orp/resource/item/60c73d0d9abda22efef8b65f/original/degradation-of-high-molar-mass-poly-ethylene-glycol-poly-2-ethyl-2-oxazoline-and-poly-vinyl-pyrrolidone-by-reactive-oxygen-species.pdf -Xin, Y., Nagata, T., Kato, K., Xu, Y., & Shirai, T. (2024). Role of polyvinylpyrrolidone in the polyol synthesis of platinum nanoparticles. Nanoscale Advances, 6(12), 3034-3040.
To chemically decompose glycol and PVP without harming your nanoparticles, consider mild oxidative treatments like diluted H₂O₂ or Fenton’s reagent for glycol breakdown. For PVP, acidic hydrolysis using dilute HCl or HNO₃ at 60–80 °C can degrade the polymer. Ensure conditions are optimized to prevent nanoparticle surface damage, and confirm integrity post-treatment using TEM or DLS.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Nanoparticle Research