Improvement of the colloidal stability of titanium dioxide particles in water through silicon based coupling agent

During this research, TiO2 nanoparticles were modified using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as a coupling agent to improve its suspension in water-based systems. The organic groups of the APTES caused the repulsion between nanoparticles due to the existence of new electrostatic charges on the TiO2 surface, this improved its colloidal stability systems of water and lactic acid 1% (v/v), not only visually appreciated the change in particle precipitation, but also FTIR analysis, TEM micrographs, Z-potential and turbidity validated the effective dispersion and for a longer period of time than the non-functionalized nanoparticles. In addition to this, using a non-aggressive reaction medium aids health and the environment, leaving behind the use of dangerous solvents such as toluene.