Anchoring of phosphonate and phosphinate coupling molecules on titania particles

Titanium oxide particles were treated using six organophosphorus compounds chosen as model coupling molecules: phenylphosphonic and diphenylphosphinic acids, their ethyl esters, and their trimethylsilyl esters. The ability of all of these coupling molecules to modify the surface of the TiO2 particles was demonstrated by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and nitrogen adsorption. The bonding modes on the surface were investigated by means of diffuse reflectance IR Fourier transform (DRIFT) and P-31 solid-state MAS NAM spectroscopy. Upon irradiation in water, a marked trend to the photooxidative degradation of the anchored organophosphorus groups was evidenced, especially in the case of phosphinate groups.