I am trying to make a gel from APTES as a precursor using the sol-gel reaction. I tried different solvents (ethanol, acetone, DMF) and different catalysts (basic and acidic) with different concentrations. However, I couldn't obtain a gel. Do you have any explanations of why the gel is not formed? Does the Amine group affect the gelation process? Thank you for your help.
Dear Zeineb Ben Rejeb, which amine you mean, is is the one of APTES? If so, the answer is no except its influence on the pH. In the following RG links mainly the first one, a detailled procedure is presented. Important to control the pH and ethanol/water ratio. My Regards
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261411770_Plasma_Polymerization_of_APTES_to_Elaborate_Nitrogen_Containing_Organosilicon_Thin_Films_Influence_of_Process_Parameters_and_Discussion_About_the_Growing_Mechanisms
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261411770_Plasma_Polymerization_of_APTES_to_Elaborate_Nitrogen_Containing_Organosilicon_Thin_Films_Influence_of_Process_Parameters_and_Discussion_About_the_Growing_Mechanisms
Dear Zeineb Ben Rejeb, which amine you mean, is is the one of APTES? If so, the answer is no except its influence on the pH. In the following RG links mainly the first one, a detailled procedure is presented. Important to control the pH and ethanol/water ratio. My Regards
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261411770_Plasma_Polymerization_of_APTES_to_Elaborate_Nitrogen_Containing_Organosilicon_Thin_Films_Influence_of_Process_Parameters_and_Discussion_About_the_Growing_Mechanisms
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261411770_Plasma_Polymerization_of_APTES_to_Elaborate_Nitrogen_Containing_Organosilicon_Thin_Films_Influence_of_Process_Parameters_and_Discussion_About_the_Growing_Mechanisms
Zeineb Ben Rejeb Below is an article that presents the gel synthesis you need. Follow this technique
Article Sol–Gel Synthesis and Microstructure Analysis of Amino‐Modif...
Sometimes, it requires to wait for one or two days for the process to control. I guess in your case the pH is too acidic.
Thank you for all your answers. I highly appreciate it.
Omkar S. Kushwaha: What do you mean by waiting? Waiting under static or stiring conditions? Do you mean that the gelation may need several days to occur?
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