Surface Modification of ZrO 2 Nanoparticles as Functional Component in Optical Nanocomposite Devices
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Surface Modification of ZrO2 Nanoparticles as Functional Component in Optical Nanocomposite Devices Ninjbadgar Tsedev1,2, and Georg Garnweitner2 1 Dept. of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Research Campus Golm, Potsdam, 14424, Germany 2 Institute of Particle Technology, TU Braunschweig, Volkmaroder Str. 5, Braunschweig, 38104, Germany ABSTRACT We have recently shown the successful synthesis of zirconia nanoparticles that can be optimized for use in volume phase holography by a post-functionalization surface treatment. Here, we present further investigations on the surface modification treatment with the aim of providing tools to tailor the nanoparticle compatibility to the photocurable organic matrix. Highly crystalline ZrO2 nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 5nm are synthesized in multigram yield through a one-pot solvothermal reaction of zirconium (IV) n-propoxide in benzyl alcohol. It is shown that the yield of the ZrO2 nanoparticles and stability of the nanoparticle dispersions are strongly dependent on the synthesis temperature. Post-synthetic surface modification of ZrO2 nanoparticles using several aliphatic ligands with different surface binding groups such as carboxylate (-COO-), amine (-NH2), phosphate (-PO4) and methoxysilane (-SiOCH3) was performed in order to compare the binding ability of these functional groups to the nanoparticle surface and therefore provide a new rational approach for nanoparticle stabilization with organic ligands. INTRODUCTION In the field of optoelectronics and photonics, holography is one of the most dynamic technologies with increasing impact on many applications, including holographic data storage, sensors, security holograms and real-time microscopic imaging [1-3]. Its development hinges on the design and fabrication of volume periodic photosensitive composite materials with high diffraction efficiency, fast response and low optical losses. One promising possibility for fabricating gratings with high refractive index modulation and high stability is the incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles with high refractive index in a photopolymerizable active organic matrix [4-5]. At this point, by taking advantage of their intrinsic high refractive index and transparency, zirconia nanoparticles were successfully explored in an organic-inorganic nanocomposite, leading to effective volume phase holographic gratings after holographic exposure [6]. The crucial parameter for their successful incorporation is their surface modification, which must ensure complete stability and compatibility of the nanoparticles throughout the grating formation process, preventing agglomeration and thus, high scattering in the nanocomposite gratings. Therefore, the future development and application of such nanocomposite holographic devices will crucially depend on the availability of suitable nanoparticles with optimized surface structure [4-8].
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