Synthesis of TiO2 Nanocrystals with a High Affinity for Amine Organic Compounds

This article describes a different approach to the colloidal synthesis of TiO2 nanocrystals using a polymer melt as a solvent. This approach allowed us to obtain a colloidal dispersion with a high degree of stability in a polymeric solvent, resulting in a transparent colloid. Using this method, it was possible to obtain the TiO2 nanocrystal with Bronsted acid sites and polymer chains chemically anchored on the nanocrystal surface. The acid surface of those nanocrystals has the chemical property to react in the presence of amine organic compounds and to maintain the colloidal stability. In this way, TiO2 nanocrystals were combined with a molecular probe containing amine functional groups such as polyaniline. Through the combination of the molecular probe and inorganic nanocrystals, we obtained a hybrid material with interesting chemical, optical, and electronic behavior, making it a promising material for photovoltaic, photochromic, and sensor devices.