How to remove the capping agent PAA (sodium salt of poly acrylate) from the cubic shaped Platinum nanoparticle in order to increase the electrocatalytic property of the synthesized platinum nanoparticles?
You can remove long chain surfactants from platinum or palladium catalysts electrochemically. One very easy method is to selectively replace the capping agents with carbon monoxide in a process very similar to carbon monoxide stripping. This works for PVP and can be combined with UV-ozone for very strongly adsorbed surfactants like octadecylamine.
Article Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance of Processed, Ultrathi...
Disperse the nanoparticles in a solvent (in which PAA can dissolve), stirr for 30 minutes and then centrifuge it at high speed so that nanoparticles will separated out. repeat this process 8-10 times. finally do IR spectra for confirming the removal of PAA.
As a cautionary note, if you remove the coat of the nano particles, they will become prone to aggregation, thus reducing the specific surface which will decrease catalytic activity
Platinum particles are fairly resistant to oxidation and are relatively stable. Separation of the capping agent highly depends on the nature of solution in which the nanoparticles are suspended i.e organic or inorganic.
Dispersing the NP suspension on a solvent of PAA and centrifuging would be a good bet. If you have dry particles then water is the best choice as PAA is highly soluble in water. Centrifuge and separate. Use a standard characterization technique like spectroscopy etc to verify the removal.
They best way to remove the polymer is to go for hydrolysis using base like NaOH at 85 oC
Saveral wash outs in which the polymer is dissolveable will work out.
You can remove long chain surfactants from platinum or palladium catalysts electrochemically. One very easy method is to selectively replace the capping agents with carbon monoxide in a process very similar to carbon monoxide stripping. This works for PVP and can be combined with UV-ozone for very strongly adsorbed surfactants like octadecylamine.
Article Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance of Processed, Ultrathi...
Centrifugation is the best technique for removing the capping materials from your nanoparticles. Wash with ultra pure water for 2-3 times.
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