Surface decoration of carbon nanosheets with amino-functionalized organosilica nanoparticles

Carbonaceous nanosheets decorated with amino-functionalized organosilica nanoparticles have been synthesized by a direct pyrolysis of betaine at 400 °C in air, followed by a simple surface treatment with ([3-(2-aminoethylamino) propyl]trimethoxysilane under reflux conditions. Both pristine and organosilica modified carbon nanosheets (OMCNs), were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Raman, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies, transmission electron microscopy and thermal analysis methods. The experimental data reveal a dramatic increase in the number of radical centers on the surface of the developed OMCN hybrid. The organosilica nanoparticles, ranging in size between 3 and 15 nm, are spherical and homogenously anchored on the surface of carbon nanosheets. The formation of COSi bridges between carbon sheets and the organosilica nanoparticles has been supported by FTIR and EPR. These nanoparticles are bound to the nanosheet surface together with individual functional organosilane groups at a spacing of about 4 Å distance. The final hybrid is the complex nanosystem composed of 2D carbon nanosheets, spherical organosilica nanoparticles and immobilized amino organosilane molecules.

► Development of new hybrid carbonaceous nanosheets decorated with amino-functionalized organosilica nanoparticles. ► The organosilica modified carbon nanosheets remain the unique nearly 2D morphology of the pristine carbonaceous material. ► The materials were characterized by means a variety of spectroscopic and microscopy methods to study their structure, properties and morphology. ► The developed functionalization procedure of the betaine-derived carbon nanosheets would be applicable for the surface modification of other carbon nanostructures.