A simple liquid state 1H NMR measurement to directly determine the surface hydroxyl density of porous silica

Silica is widely used in industrial applications and its performance is partially decided by its surface hydroxyl density alpha(OH). Here we report a quick, simple liquid H-1 NMR method to determine alpha(OH) using a benchtop H-1 NMR spectrometer. The results show excellent agreement with the literature with an alpha(OH) range from 4.16 to 6.56 OH per nm(2).

Automated summary

In this study, a quick and simple liquid H-1 NMR method using a benchtop H-1 NMR spectrometer was reported to determine the surface hydroxyl density of silica, with results showing excellent agreement with the literature.