Three-dimensional observation of phase-separated silica-based gels confined between parallel plates
Three-dimensional observation of phase-separated silica-based gels confined between parallel plates
复制标题
限制在平行板之间的相分离硅胶的三维观察
作者：
K. Kanamori;K. Nakanishi;K. Hirao;H. Jinnai
通过在溶胶-凝胶转变过程中诱导旋节线分解，在二维（2D）受限空间中合成了由甲基三甲氧基硅烷（MTMS）和四甲氧基硅烷（TMOS）衍生的具有共连续结构的甲基硅氧烷凝胶和硅胶。通过激光扫描共焦显微镜（LSCM）对所得的大孔凝胶形态进行三维检查，结果表明二维限制凝胶具有层状结构。在 MTMS 或 TMOS 衍生凝胶与疏水表面之间的界面处，通过甲基硅氧烷和二氧化硅相完全润湿而形成表层。在近地表区域，仅在 MTMS 系统中形成圆柱状凝胶骨架。由于聚合硅氧烷与表面之间的吸引力相互作用或老化阶段的收缩，凝胶相的体积分数在疏水性和亲水性表面附近振荡。
Methyl-siloxane gel and silica gel with co-continuous structure derived from methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) were synthesized in two-dimensional (2D) confined spaces by inducing spinodal decomposition during the sol−gel transition. The resultant macroporous gel morphology was three-dimensionally examined by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), which revealed that the 2D confined gels have a layered structure. At the interface between MTMS- or TMOS-derived gel and a hydrophobic surface, the skin layer has formed by complete wetting by methylsiloxane and silica phase. In the near-surface region, a cylindrical columnar gel skeleton has formed only in the MTMS system. The volume fraction of gel phase oscillated near both hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces because of the attractive interactions between polymerizing siloxane and surfaces or shrinkage during aging stage.