The physical–chemical study of detonation nanodiamond application in adsorption and chromatography

In the present work, the study on detonation nanodiamond (DND) powders modifications in gaseous media was carried out. The surface properties of DND were studied by TGA, IR-spectroscopy, pH-potentiometry and chromatography methods. It was determined that modifying the DND surface reduces specific retention volumes and retention times of adsorbates. At the same time, specific and dispersion interactions have decreased. Such phenomena are significant for gas chromatographic separation of complex mixtures. The study of DND in contact with water and water solutions showed that chemical modification of DND produces on its surface oxygen-containing groups with acidic character. The latter stipulates its ion-exchange properties and applicability to liquid chromatography. In summary, the performed research provides significant perspective toward new-generation adsorbent creation with controlled surface identification for gaseous and liquid chromatography purposes.