U.S. patent application number 16/570913 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-09 for organically modified fine particles.
The applicant listed for this patent is SUPER NANO DESIGN CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Tadafumi AJIRI.
Application Number | 20200010685 16/570913 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37589769 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200010685 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AJIRI; Tadafumi |
January 9, 2020 |
ORGANICALLY MODIFIED FINE PARTICLES
Abstract
A technique for bonding an organic group with the surface of
fine particles such as nanoparticles through strong linkage is
provided, whereas such fine particles are attracting attention as
materials essential for development of high-tech products because
of various unique excellent characteristics and functions thereof.
Organically modified metal oxide fine particles can be obtained by
adapting high-temperature, high-pressure water as a reaction field
to bond an organic matter with the surface of metal oxide fine
particles through strong linkage. The use of the same condition
enables not only the formation of metal oxide fine particles but
also the organic modification of the formed fine particles. The
resulting organically modified metal oxide fine particles exhibit
excellent properties, characteristics and functions.
Inventors: |
AJIRI; Tadafumi; (Miyagi,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SUPER NANO DESIGN CO., LTD. |
Miyagi |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
37589769 |
Appl. No.: |
16/570913 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13535103 |
Jun 27, 2012 |
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16570913 |
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12510175 |
Jul 27, 2009 |
8257679 |
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13535103 |
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11173348 |
Jul 1, 2005 |
7803347 |
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12510175 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C01B 13/145 20130101;
C09C 1/3669 20130101; C09C 1/24 20130101; B01J 3/006 20130101; B82Y
30/00 20130101; C09C 1/407 20130101; C09C 1/3063 20130101; Y10T
428/2982 20150115; C01P 2004/04 20130101; C09C 1/043 20130101; C09C
3/08 20130101; C01P 2002/82 20130101; C01P 2004/64 20130101; B01J
3/008 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C09C 1/36 20060101
C09C001/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 8, 2004 |
JP |
2004-003517 |
Claims
1. A process for producing organically modified metal oxide
nanoparticles, which comprises: producing metal oxide nanoparticles
in the coexistence of an organic modifying agent in a supercritical
or subcritical hydrothermal synthesis reaction field, thereby
forming organically modified metal oxide nanoparticles wherein an
optionally substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon group is bonded
to the surface of each nanoparticle through a linkage selected from
the group consisting of a covalent bond, an ether bond, an ester
bond, a bond through an N atom, a bond through an S atom, a
metal-C-- bond, a metal-C.dbd. bond, and a metal-(C.dbd.O)--
bond.
2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the hydrothermal
synthesis reaction field is under supercritical or subcritical
water conditions.
3. The process according to claim 1, wherein the hydrothermal
synthesis reaction field is under water conditions at the critical
pressure or a pressure above the critical point and/or at the
critical temperature or a temperature above the critical point.
4. The process according to claim 1, wherein said organically
modified metal oxide nanoparticles are formed in a reaction field
where water is present under conditions at a temperature ranging
from 250 to 500.degree. C. and a pressure ranging from 10 to 30
MPa.
5. The process according to claim 1, wherein said hydrocarbon group
is a long-chain hydrocarbon group having a chain having 1, 2, 3 or
more carbon atoms.
6. The process according to claim 1, wherein said organic modifying
agent is selected from the group other than an alkanethiol.
7. The process according to claim 1, wherein said organic modifying
agent is selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, an
aldehyde, a carboxylic acid, an amine, a thiol, an amide, a ketone,
an oxime, a phosgene, an enamine, an amino acid, a peptide and a
sugar.
8. The process according to claim 1, wherein said organic modifying
agent is selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, an
aldehyde, a carboxylic acid, an amine, an amide, a ketone, an
oxime, a phosgene, an enamine, an amino acid, a peptide and a
sugar.
9. The process according to claim 1, wherein said metal oxide is an
oxide of a metal element selected from the group consisting of
elements of the group VIII, elements of the group IB, elements of
the group IIB, elements of the group IIIB, elements of the group
IVB, elements of the group VB, elements of the group VIB, and
elements of the groups IA to VIIA, in the long-period periodic
table.
10. The process according to claim 9, wherein the metal element in
said metal oxide is selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr,
Nb, Y, Eu, Mg, Ce, Ba, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, Cu,
Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, Hg, B, Al, Ga, In, TI, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, As, Sb, Bi,
Te and Po.
11. The process according to claim 9, wherein the metal element in
said metal oxide is selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr,
Nb, Y, Eu, Mg, Ce, Ba, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, Ag,
Au, Zn, Cd, Hg, B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, As, Sb, Bi, Te
and Po.
12. The process according to claim 1, wherein said metal oxide is
an oxide of a metal element selected from the group consisting of
elements of the group VIII, elements of the group IIB, elements of
the group IIIB, elements of the group IVB, elements of the group
VB, elements of the group VIB, and elements of the groups IA to
VIIA, in the long-period periodic table.
13. The process according to claim 1, wherein the reaction ratio of
the organic modifying agent is regulated by controlling a factor
selected from the group consisting of temperature, acid
concentration and reaction time.
14. The process according to claim 1, wherein said hydrocarbon
group has a hydrophilic group and the products are organically
modified metal oxide nanoparticles well dispersed in an aqueous
solution.
15. The process according to claim 1, wherein the particle size of
the generated particles is adjusted to a smaller particle size as
compared with those where supercritical hydrothermal synthesis is
performed in the absence of an organic modifying agent.
16. The process according to claim 1, wherein the average size of
the nanoparticles is: (1) 100 nm or less; (2) 50 nm or less; (3) 20
nm or less; (4) 10 nm or less; or (5) 5 nm or less.
17. The process according to claim 1, wherein said hydrocarbon
group has a hydrophobic group and said organically modified metal
oxide nanoparticles are well dispersible in an organic solvent
phase, or can be transferred to the interface between an aqueous
phase and an organic solvent phase.
18. The process according to claim 1, wherein said metal oxide is
selected from the group consisting of SiO.sub.2, SnO.sub.2,
Al.sub.2O.sub.3, MnO.sub.2, NiO, Eu.sub.2O.sub.3, Y.sub.2O.sub.3,
Nb.sub.2O.sub.3, InO, ZnO, Fe.sub.2O.sub.3, Fe.sub.3O.sub.4,
Co.sub.3O.sub.4, ZrO.sub.2, CeO.sub.3, BaO.6Fe.sub.2O.sub.3,
Al.sub.5(Y+Tb).sub.3O.sub.12, BaTiO.sub.3, LiCoO.sub.2,
LiMn.sub.2O.sub.4, K.sub.2O.6TiO.sub.2 and AlOOH.
19. The process according to claim 1, wherein said metal oxide is
selected from the group consisting of SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2O.sub.3,
MnO.sub.2, ZnO, CeO.sub.2, Fe.sub.2O.sub.3, Fe.sub.3O.sub.4, NiO,
Co.sub.2O.sub.3, Co.sub.3O.sub.4, SnO.sub.2, Y.sub.2O.sub.8, InO,
MgO, Nb.sub.2O.sub.5, Nb.sub.2O.sub.3 and ZrO.sub.2.
20. The process according to claim 1, wherein the particle size of
product particles is evaluated by transmission electron microscopic
(TEM) analysis.
21. The process according to claim 1, wherein the state of bonding
a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon group to the surface of
a metal oxide nanoparticle is verified by IR analysis and/or
thermogravimetric analysis.
22. The process according to claim 1, wherein said hydrocarbon
group is a hydrocarbon group with a long-chain hydrocarbon group
with a chain having 4 or more carbon atoms.
23. A process for producing organically modified metal oxide
nanoparticles, which comprises: producing metal oxide nanoparticles
in the coexistence of an organic modifying agent in a supercritical
or subcritical hydrothermal synthesis reaction field, thereby
forming organically modified metal oxide nanoparticles wherein an
optionally substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon group is
directly bonded to a surface of each metal oxide nanoparticle
through a linkage from the hydrocarbon group selected from the
group consisting of a covalent bond, an ether bond, an ester bond,
a bond through an N atom, a bond through an S atom, a metal-C--
bond, a metal-C.dbd. bond, and a metal-(C.dbd.O)-- bond, and said
metal oxide is an oxide of a metal element selected from group
consisting of an element of group VIII, an element of group IB, an
element of group IIB, an element of group IIIB, an element of group
IVB, an element of group VB, an element of group VIB, and an
element of groups IA to VIIA, in the long-period periodic table,
wherein the hydrocarbon group is strongly bonded to the surface of
said metal oxide nanoparticle.
24. The process according to claim 23, wherein said hydrocarbon
group is a hydrocarbon group with a chain having 1, 2 or 3 carbon
atoms, or a long-chain hydrocarbon group with a chain having 4 or
more carbon atoms, or said hydrocarbon group is a substituted or
unsubstituted straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group.
25. The process according to claim 23, wherein the metal element in
said metal oxide is selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr,
Nb, Y, Eu, Mg, Ce, Ba, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, Cu,
Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, Hg, B, Al, Ga, In, Ti, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, As, Sb, Bi,
Te and Po.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The subject application is a divisional application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/535,103, filed Jun. 27, 2012, which
in turn is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/510,175, filed Jul. 27, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,257,679, which
in turn is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/173,348, filed Jul. 1, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,347, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to organically modified fine
particles having hydrocarbon strongly bound to the surface of fine
particles, particularly, organically modified metal oxide fine
particles, a process for producing the same, and further a recovery
or collection method of fine particles such as nanoparticles, and
applied techniques thereof.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Fine particles, particularly, particles of nanometer size
(nanoparticles) are expected to realize a technology satisfying
requests of a higher precision, a smaller size and a lighter weight
than in the current condition for all materials and products
because of a variety of unique excellent properties,
characteristics and functions thereof. Therefore, nanoparticles are
attracting attentions as a material enabling the higher function,
higher performance, higher density, and higher preciseness of
industrial materials, pharmaceutical and cosmetic materials and the
like such as ceramic nano-structure modified material, optical
functional coating material, electromagnetic shielding material,
secondary battery material, fluorescent material, electronic part
material, magnetic recording material, and abrasive material, and
also as a 21st century material. There is a lot of attention from
the industrial world being given thereto, because a series of
discoveries such as onset of extra-high functionalities or new
physical properties by the quantum size effect of the
nanoparticles, and syntheses of new materials have been made in the
recent basic researches for the nanoparticles. However, practical
application of the nanoparticles requires addition of unique
functions to the respective fine particles, and to that end,
establishment of a technique for modifying the surface of particles
is desired for enabling the addition of the functions. Organic
modification is convenient for adding stably usable and applicable
functions to fine particles, particularly nanoparticles, and a
modification through strong bond is particularly demanded.
[0004] Many reports for organic/inorganic composite materials and
syntheses thereof have been disclosed up to now, and researches for
organic modification of inorganic particles have been also made,
each of which intended to carry out a reaction in an organic
solvent for the organic modification. A technique for reacting an
organic material with fine particles in a reaction field or water
while synthesizing the particles in water or an aqueous solution is
not known. For the surface modification of particles, many
techniques for modifying the surface of inorganic particles in an
organic solvent are known. However, particles of nano-size are easy
to coagulate, and a pretreatment such as use of a surface active
agent is particularly needed for dispersing the particles
synthesized in water to an organic solvent. As mentioned above, no
report has been made for the technique for modifying the surface of
particles while synthesizing the particles in water.
[0005] As a method for in-situ surface modification, reversed
micelle method, hot soap method, and the like have been reported.
In the reversed micelle method, water is suspended to an oil phase
by use of a surface active agent to generate a reversed micelle,
and a reactive substrate is added thereto to reactively crystallize
it. The metal oxide particles generated in the suspended water
phase are stabilized by the surface active agent to stably disperse
nanoparticles, in which the surface active agent is in a state
adsorbed by the particle surface without a linkage by reaction. In
the hot soap method, the above method is performed at high
temperature by use of only the surface active agent without oil
phase. This method is a technique using the effect that an aqueous
solution of metal salt to be reacted is rapidly supplied with
stirring and reactively crystallized, while the circumferential
surface active agent is adsorbed thereto. The cases reported up to
now for the organic modification involve adsorption of alkanethiol,
but not reactive modification.
[0006] There are frequently reported that high-temperature,
high-pressure water forms a homogeneous phase also with an organic
material, and water functions as an acid or basic catalyst in a
high-temperature, high-pressure field to progress an organic
synthetic reaction even under no catalyst. However, no method for a
reaction between an inorganic material and an organic material is
reported.
[0007] It is known that highly crystalline particles of nano-size
can be synthesized by adapting supercritical water as a reaction
field for hydrothermal synthesis. However, there is no report for
modification of the surface of the produced nanoparticles in this
reaction field, or synthesis of organically modified particles by a
reaction with an organic material.
[0008] A technique for performing an in-situ surface modification
simultaneously with CVD in a supercritical fluid is also known, in
which alkanethiol or alcohol is made coexist in a reaction field
for synthesizing metal nanoparticles by CVD in the supercritical
fluid, taking reference to the above-mentioned hot soap method or
the like. It is reported that the growth of particles can be
inhibited to generate particles of nanometer according to this
technique. For the CVD technique, it is reported that the reduction
reaction and surface modification by alkanethiol simultaneously
occur, and the resulting product is metal Cu having an
alkanethiol-coordinated structure. It is also reported to produce
nanoparticles by performing the synthesis in the presence of
alkanethiol similarly to the above by use of a reducing agent in
supercritical water, thereby coordinating the thiol group with
metal nanoparticles to inhibit the growth of particles. In case of
the alcohol, it is shown in a part of the result that not only
orientation but also linkage was caused to perform in-situ surface
modification in the reaction filed. However, this is caused not by
the reactive crystallization in supercritical "water", but by only
a technique belonging to reactive in-situ surface reforming method
in an organic solvent.
[0009] A surface treatment of glass or silica gel in water is well
known, but this method is based on CNBr activation or epoxy
activation. Since each of the CNBr method and the epoxy activation
method is carried out in an alkaline solution, particles of about
nanometer (nm) are entirely dissolved. Therefore, these known
reactions cannot be used for the surface modification of oxide
nanoparticles in water.
[0010] Conventional organic modification methods will be
collectively described.
1) Synthesis of Organic-Inorganic Composite Material
[0011] Silane coupling is given as a general method for modifying a
metal oxide surface (Polymer Frontier 21 Series 15
"Inorganic/Polymer Nano Interface Control", edited by Society of
Polymer Science, pp. 3-23, NTS, 2003). There are researches for
syntheses of organic/inorganic composite materials ["Formation of
Ordered Monolayer of Anionic Silica Particles on a Cationic
Molecular Layer", T. Yonezawa, S. Onoue, and T. Kunitake, Chem.
Lett., No. 7, 689-690 (1998); Molecular Imprinting of Azobenzene
Carboxylic Acid on a TiO2 Ultrathin Film by the Surface Sol-Gel
Process", S.-W. Lee, I. Ichinose, T. Kunitake, Langmuir, Vol. 14,
2857-2863 (1998); "Alternate Molecular Layers of Metal Oxides and
Hydroxyl Polymers Prepared by the Surface Sol-Gel Process", I.
Ichinose, T. Kawakami, T. Kunitake, Adv. Mater., Vol. 10, 535-539
(1998); and "Molecular Imprinting of Protected Amino Acids in
Ultrathin Multilayers of TiO2 Gel", S. W. Lee, I. Ichinose, T.
Kunitake, Chem. Lett., No. 12., 1993-1994 (1998)]. Surface
modifications of oxides in water are also known. Techniques for
surface-modifying glass or silica gel in water include CNBr
activation or epoxy activation, in which CNBr or epoxy is reacted
with OH on the surface to give the functional group of the CN or
epoxy, and an intended functional group is introduced through it.
However, such a reaction requires setting of pH and addition of a
catalyst, and involves generation of an acid as a product. Since
these activations are carried out in an alkaline solution, all
particles of about nm are dissolved, and it is therefore impossible
to perform the surface modification of oxide nanoparticles in water
by use of these known reactions (Rolf Axen, Jerker Porath, Sverker
Ernbvack, "Chemica Coupling of Peptides and Proteins to
Polysaccharides by Means of Cyanogen Halides", Nature, Vol. 214,
1967, pp. 1302-1304). In every method described above, the organic
modification depends on a reaction in an organic solvent. Particles
of nano-size are easy to coagulate because of high surface energy.
A solution method such as sol-gel process or hydrothermal process
is effective, as shown in FIG. 1, in synthesizing particles of 10
nm or less. However, the particles synthesized in a solvent are
firmly coagulated, when taken out and dried, and it is extremely
difficult to redisperse them in an organic solvent. The solvent
must be changed to the organic solvent stepwise. Particularly, the
nanoparticles synthesized in water frequently have hydrophilic
groups, and a pretreatment such as use of a surface active agent is
needed for dispersing them to an organic solvent. Accordingly, the
technique for surface-modifying nanoparticles in situ while
synthesizing them is important for synthesis of nano-particles of
50 nm or less.
2) Technique for Performing In-Situ Surface Modification
Reversed Micelle Method
[0012] Water is suspended in an oil phase by use of a surface
active agent to form a reversed micelle, and a reactive substrate
is added thereto to reactively crystallize it. For example, CdS
nanoparticles and NaNO.sub.3 can be generated by mixing an aqueous
solution of Cd(NO.sub.3).sub.2 with micelle of Na.sub.2S. The CdS
nanoparticles can be stabilized by supplying a stabilizing agent
such as alkanethiol. The surface active agent is in a state
adsorbed to the surface without a linkage by reaction (A) New
Technology for Production, Evaluation, Application and Equipment of
Nanoparticles", pp. 16-19, 2002, published by CMC). Recently, a
method using supercritical carbon dioxide as solvent has been also
reported (Ye, X. R., Lin, Y. Wang, C., Wai, C. M., Adv. Materials,
2003, 15, 316; and Ye, X. R., Lin, Y. Wang, C., Wai, C. M., Chem.
Comm., 2003, 642).
Hot Soap Method
[0013] The above-mentioned method is carried out at high
temperature by use of only a surface active agent without oil
phase. An aqueous solution of metal salt to be reacted is rapidly
supplied with stirring and reactively crystallized, while the
circumferential surface active agent is adsorbed thereto (A) "New
Technology for Production, Evaluation, Application and Equipment of
Nanoparticles", pp. 19-21, 2002, published by CMC). Most of the
cases reported up to now are based on adsorption of alkanethiol,
and no reactive modification has been practiced.
In-Situ Surface Modification in Supercritical Fluid by Reactive
Crystallization
[0014] A method for performing an organic modification
simultaneously with thermal decomposition CVD (chemical vapor
deposition) in a supercritical fluid is also proposed.
Particularly, an article for a surface modification performed in
coexistence of alkanethiol in a supercritical hydrothermal
synthesis (Technoarch's patent) field is disclosed. When the
coexistence of hexane thiol with an aqueous solution of
Cu(NO.sub.3).sub.2 laid in a supercritical state results in
synthesis of Cu particles by reduction and stabilization thereof by
hexane thiol in situ. In this case, the thiol acts as a reducing
agent to coordinate the hexane thiol with the surface of the
generated Cu nanoparticles. This is a well-known coordination with
metal (Kirk J. Ziegler, R. Christopher Doty, Keith P. Johnston, and
Brian A. Korgel, "Synthesis of Organic Monolayer-Stabilized Copper
Nanocrystals in Supercritical Water", J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2001, 123,
7797-7803). Surface modification of SiO.sub.2 with alcohol with
synthesis thereof is also known (the same reference as above Kirk
J. Ziegler, R. Christopher Doty, Keith P. Jonston, and Brian A.
Korgel, "Synthesis of Organic Monolayer-Stabilized Copper
Nanocrystals in Supercritical Water", J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2001, 123,
7797-7803).
[0015] The present inventors have proposed a nanoparticle synthesis
in supercritical water for synthesizing highly crystalline
particles of nano-size by adapting supercritical water as a
reaction field for hydrothermal synthesis, but not referred to a
process for modification of the surface of the produced particles
or synthesis of organically modified particles by a reaction with
an organic matter. There are frequently reported that
high-temperature, high-pressure water forms a homogenous phase also
with an organic material and that water functions as an acid or
basic catalyst to progress an organic synthetic reaction even in no
catalyst in a high-temperature, high-pressure field. However, the
process for reaction between an inorganic material and an organic
material has not been reported yet.
[0016] With respect to fine particles, particularly, nanoparticles,
the usability of which is expected because of various useful
properties and functions, a number of synthetic methods have been
proposed and developed, including the supercritical synthetic
method. However, a method for recovering the thus-synthesized fine
particles or nanoparticles, and a method for dispersing and
stabilizing the fine particles as they are without coagulation
after recovery are needed. At the time of use, they must be
satisfactorily dispersed in a resin, plastic or solvent.
Particularly, nanoparticles synthesized in water are not easily
recovered from water since they frequently have hydrophilic
surfaces. The nanoparticles or the like have the problem of
unfamiliarity with organic solvents, resins or the like.
[0017] In order to satisfy these needs, it might be necessary to
modify the surface of nanoparticles with organic materials
according to the respective purposes. For example, modification
with the same polymer as the resin, or donation of the same
functional group as the solvent is desirable. If the nanoparticles
can be surface-modified in water, the separate recovery of the
nanoparticles from water is facilitated. However, although it is
desirable for the surface modification of nanoparticles synthesized
in water with an organic material that the organic material forms a
homogeneous phase with water, the modifying agent usable therefor
is limited to an amphipathic surface active agent, a lower alcohol
soluble even to water, and the like. Further, even if the
nanoparticles are recovered by any method, the recovered
nanoparticles are extremely easy to coagulate, and it is difficult
to redisperse the nanoparticles coagulated once even by use of a
dispersant. The surface modification of such nanoparticles is
entirely difficult.
[0018] It is well-known that water and an organic material form a
homogenous phase in a high-temperature, high-pressure field and,
for example, alcohol and sugar, carboxylic acid and alcohol, or
carboxylic acid and amine non-catalytically cause a dehydration
reaction in high-temperature, high-pressure water. However, it is
not known that a reaction is caused between hydroxyl group on the
particle surface and the organic material in this condition.
[0019] Thus, it is needed to develop the method for introducing a
required desirable functional group to nanoparticles at the time of
synthesis thereof in water. As a result of the earnest studies, the
present inventors found that synthesis of metal oxide particles in
a high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal synthetic field in
the coexistence of an organic material results in surface-modified
fine particles having the organic material strongly bonded with the
particle surface by the occurrence of a homogenous phase reaction
between the particle surface and the organic material. It is also
found that the resulting nanoparticles can be phase-separated from
water with the remaining organic material, and easily recovered
after cooling because they are organically modified. The present
invention has been accomplished based on such knowledge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention provides the followings in typical
aspects.
[0021] [1] Organically modified fine particles, including
hydrocarbon strongly bonded with the surface of fine particles.
[0022] [2] The fine particles according to [1], wherein the
hydrocarbon is strongly bonded with the surface of metal oxide fine
particles, and the organically modified fine particles are
organically modified metal oxide fine particles.
[0023] [3] The fine particles according to [1], wherein the average
diameter of the fine particles is 100 nm or less.
[0024] [4] The fine particles according to [1], wherein the average
diameter of the fine particles is 50 nm or less.
[0025] [5] The fine particles according to [1], wherein the average
diameter of the fine particles is 20 nm or less.
[0026] [6] The fine particles according to [1], wherein the average
diameter of the fine particles is 10 nm or less.
[0027] [7] The fine particles according to [1], wherein the average
diameter of the fine particles is 5 nm or less.
[0028] [8] The fine particles according to any one of [1] to [7],
wherein the hydrocarbon is a long-chain hydrocarbon having a chain
having 1, 2, 3 or more carbon atoms.
[0029] [9] The fine particles according to any one of [1] to [8],
wherein the strong bond is selected from the group consisting of
ether bond, ester bond, bond through N atom, bond through S atom,
metal-C-- bond, metal-C.dbd. bond, and metal-(C.dbd.O)-- bond.
[0030] [10] The fine particles according to any one of [1] to [9],
wherein the covering ratio of the particle surface for the organic
modification is adjusted.
[0031] [11] The fine particles according to any one of [1] to [10],
wherein the hydrocarbon is strongly bonded with the surface of the
fine particles with high-temperature, high-pressure water as a
reaction field.
[0032] [12] The fine particles according to any one of [1] to [11],
wherein the hydrocarbon is strongly bonded with the surface of the
fine particles with water of a supercritical or subcritical
condition as a reaction field.
[0033] [13] A process for producing organically modified metal
oxide fine particles, comprising strongly bonding an organic
material with the surface of metal oxide fine particles with
high-temperature, high-pressure water as a reaction field, thereby
synthesizing organically modified metal oxide fine particles.
[0034] [14] The process according to [13], wherein water of
pressure and/or temperature conditions corresponding to or
exceeding a critical point is adapted as the reaction field.
[0035] [15] The process according to [13] or [14], wherein the
organically modified metal oxide fine particles are synthesized in
a reaction field where water of conditions of temperature
250-500.degree. C. and pressure 10-30 MPa is present.
[0036] [16] The process according to any one of [13] to [15],
wherein the hydrocarbon is a long-chain hydrocarbon having a chain
having 1, 2, 3 or more carbon atoms.
[0037] [17] The process according to any one of [13] to [16],
wherein the strong bond is selected from the group consisting of
ether bond, ester bond, bond through N atom, bond through S atom,
metal-C-- bond, metal-C.dbd. bond, and metal-(C--O)-- bond.
[0038] [18] The process according to any one of [13] to [17],
wherein an organic modifying agent is selected from the group
consisting of alcohol, aldehyde, carboxylic acid, amine, thiol
amide, ketone, oxime, phosgene, enamine, amino acid, peptide, and
sugar.
[0039] [19] The process according to any one of [13] to [18],
wherein a solvent for promoting the phase homogenization of the
organic modifying agent with water is used as a coexistent
material.
[0040] [20] The process according to [19], wherein the solvent is
selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propanol,
i-propanol, butanol, i-butanol, t-butanol and ethylene glycol.
[0041] [21] The process according to any one of [13] to [18],
wherein the reaction is carried out in the coexistence of an
assistant for promoting the reaction.
[0042] [22] The process according to [21], wherein the reaction
promoting assistant is an acid.
[0043] [23] The process according to [22], wherein the acid is
selected from the group consisting of nitric acid, sulfuric acid,
hydrochloric acid, bromic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic
acid and toluene sulfonic acid.
[0044] [24] The process according to any one of [13] to [23],
wherein the reaction ratio of the organic modification is
controlled by controlling a factor selected from the group
consisting of the temperature, the acid concentration and the
reaction time.
[0045] [25] A method for recovering or collecting fine particles,
comprising organically modifying the surface of fine particles,
thereby:
[0046] (1) precipitating and recovering metal oxide fine particles
dispersed in an aqueous solution;
[0047] (2) transferring metal oxide fine particles dispersed in an
aqueous solution to an organic solvent followed by recovering;
or
[0048] (3) collecting metal oxide fine particles in an oil
phase-water phase interface.
[0049] [26] A process for producing fine particles, comprising
producing metal oxide fine particles satisfactorily dispersed in an
aqueous solution by organic surface modification including
hydrophilic groups.
[0050] [27] A process for producing organically modified metal
oxide fine particles, comprising producing metal oxide fine
particles in the coexistence of an organic modifying agent in a
reaction field for supercritical hydrothermal synthesis.
[0051] [28] The process according to [27], wherein the particle
size of the generated particles is adjusted to a further small
particle size.
[0052] [29] A process for producing organically modified metal
oxide fine particles, comprising subjecting a metal compound to a
hydrothermal reaction with high-temperature, high-pressure water as
a reaction field to form metal oxide fine particles, and strongly
bonding an organic matter to the surface of the formed metal oxide
fine particles, thereby synthesizing organically modified metal
oxide fine particles.
[0053] Fine particles with hydrophilic surface (particularly,
nanoparticles) are surface-modified with the hydrophobic group of
an organic matter such as hydrocarbon, whereby the particles which
are difficult to be recovered from an aqueous medium can be easily
and surely transferred to an organic medium and separated/recovered
without impairing useful characteristics of the fine particles
(particularly, nanoparticles). On the other hand, hydrophobic fine
particles (particularly, nanoparticles) can be transferred to and
separated/recovered from an aqueous medium side such as an aqueous
solution by modifying the surface thereof with a hydrocarbon having
hydrophilic group.
[0054] Since metal oxide fine particles (particularly,
nanoparticles) present in an aqueous medium hardly form a
homogeneous reaction system with a modifying agent having organic
group such as hydrophobic hydrocarbon, the fine particles
(particularly, nanoparticles) could not be organically modified
without impairing the useful characteristics of the particles.
However, this can be made possible by applying the modification of
the present invention. Further, since the degree of modification
can be controlled, various unique characteristics can be imparted,
respectively, by the modification.
[0055] Other objects, features and superiority of the present
invention and aspects thereof will be obvious for those skilled in
the art from the following description. However, it should be
understood that the accompanying specification including the
following description and concrete examples describes preferred
embodiments of the present invention and is disclosed only for
illustration. It will be easily understood by those skilled in the
art from the following description and the knowledge derived from
other parts of the specification that various changes and/or
alternations (or modifications) can be made without departing from
the intention and scope of the present invention. All patent
literatures and reference literatures cited herein are described
for illustration, and the content thereof should be included herein
as a part of the specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0056] FIG. 1 shows the relation of density of water with pressure
and temperature on the left and the relation of dielectric constant
of water with pressure and temperature on the right;
[0057] FIG. 2 shows the phase behavior of a water-gas binary system
in the vicinity of a critical point of water (on the left), and the
phase behavior of a water-organic solvent system therein (on the
right);
[0058] FIG. 3 shows a typical reactor used for organic modification
according to the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 4 shows typical nanoparticles the use of which is
desired with typical production process and particle sizes
thereof;
[0060] FIG. 5 shows a typical reaction system apparatus used for
the organic modification according to the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 6 schematically shows characteristics of the organic
modification method according to the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 7 schematically shows the mechanism of the modification
reaction according to the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 8 shows metal oxide fine particles (TiO.sub.2
nanoparticles) surface-modified with hexanal by the technique of
the present invention (on the right), comparatively with
non-modified particles (on the left);
[0064] FIG. 9 shows an IR spectrum of the modified particles
resulted from surface modification of metal oxide fine particles
(SiO.sub.2 nanoparticles) with hexylamine by the technique of the
present invention;
[0065] FIG. 10 shows metal oxide fine particles (TiO.sub.2
nanoparticles) surface-modified with hexanoic acid by the technique
of the present invention (on the right), comparatively with
non-modified fine particles (on the left);
[0066] FIG. 11 shows an IR spectrum of the modified particles
resulted from surface modification of metal oxide fine particles
(TiO.sub.2 nanoparticles) with hexanoic acid by the technique of
the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 12 shows metal oxide fine particles (TiO.sub.2
nanoparticles) surface-modified with asparaginic acid by the
technique of the present invention (on the right), comparatively
with non-modified particles (on the left);
[0068] FIG. 13 comparatively shows metal oxide fine particles
(SiO.sub.2 nanoparticles) surface-modified with decanoic acid (on
the right) and with decane amine (on the left) by the technique of
the present invention, respectively;
[0069] FIG. 14 shows metal oxide fine particles hydrothermally
synthesized by the technique of the present invention, the surface
of which is organically modified in situ in the coexistence of
hexanol (on the right), comparatively with non-modified particles
(on the left);
[0070] FIG. 15 shows metal oxide fine particles (on the lower side)
organically modified by the technique of the present invention and
non-modified particles (on the upper side) by TEM images;
[0071] FIG. 16 shows metal oxide fine particles hydrothermally
synthesized by the technique of the present invention, the surface
of which is organically modified in the coexistence of hexanol in
situ (on the right), comparatively with non-modified particles (on
the left);
[0072] FIG. 17 shows the result of in-situ organic modifications of
metal oxide fine particles (CeO.sub.2 nanoparticles) with varied
treatment temperatures by the technique of the present
invention;
[0073] FIG. 18 shows the relation between a typical device
configuration and particle size obtained in each condition in the
synthesis of fine particles by executing a hydrothermal synthesis
with high-temperature, high-pressure water such as subcritical or
supercritical water as a reaction field; and
[0074] FIG. 19 shows that metal oxide fine particles organically
modified by the technique of the present invention exhibits a
property such as a unique dispersibility to medium by adjusting its
affinity with a solvent.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0075] The present invention provides a technique for bonding an
organic matter with the surface of metal oxide fine particles with
high-temperature, high-pressure water as a reaction field to
synthesize organically modified metal oxide fine particles,
particularly, organically modified metal oxide nanoparticles, which
are attracting attentions in recent years because of their peculiar
characteristics, the resulting organically modified metal oxide
fine particles, and usage and applied technologies thereof. The
present invention involves an organic modification method paying
attention to the point that water and an organic material form a
homogeneous phase in a reaction field showing a certain phase
behavior. The features of this method are conceptually and
schematically shown in FIG. 6.
[0076] As the reaction field of the modification reaction of the
present invention, suitably, pressure and/or temperature conditions
corresponding to or exceeding the subcritical or critical point of
water are given. FIG. 1 shows the density of
water-temperature/pressure dependency (on the left of FIG. 1) and
the dielectric constant of water-pressure dependency (on the right
of FIG. 1). As is apparent therefrom, when the region of
temperature/pressure corresponding to or exceeding the critical
point of water is adapted as the reaction field, a unique reaction
environment can be provided. FIG. 2 shows the phase behavior of a
water-gas binary system in the vicinity of the critical point of
water (on the left of FIG. 2) and the phase behavior of a
water-organic solvent system (on the right of FIG. 2), from which
it is obvious that a characteristic homogenous phase forming region
exists, and this is applicable to the modification reaction of the
present invention.
[0077] At the time of using nanoparticles, by introducing a
functional group having high affinity with a solvent or resin to be
used for to the particles, the particles can be dispersed to the
solvent or resin at high concentration.
[0078] In the present invention, the particle size can be also
controlled by performing the in-situ surface modification in a
reaction field for hydrothermal synthesis including a supercritical
region.
[0079] The term "fine particles" referred to herein may indicate
those with an average particle size of 1 .mu.m (1,000 nm) or less
and, preferably, nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may generally
include those of an average particle size of 200 nm or less and,
preferably, those of 200 nm or less. The nanoparticles can have an
average particle size of 100 nm or less in a certain case, and an
average particle size of 50 nm or less in another case. The
nanoparticles further can have an average particle size of 20 nm or
less in a suitable case, and an average particle size of 10 nm or
less, or 5 nm or less in other cases. Although the particle size of
nanoparticles is preferably uniformed, those different in particle
size can be suitably mixed in a fixed ratio.
[0080] The particle size can be measured by a method known in the
relevant field, for example, by TEM, adsorption method, light
scattering method, SAXS or the like. In the TEM, at the time of
electron microscopic observation, it must be carefully confirmed
that particles within the field of view are representative for all
the particles when the particle size distribution is wide. In the
adsorption method, a BET surface area is evaluated by N.sub.2
adsorption or the like.
[0081] Fine particles generated by means of hydrolysis reaction are
generally composed of a hydroxide such as Fe(OH).sub.3, and the
equilibrium is shifted to FeO(OH) and Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 as the
temperature is raised. The molecular arrangement state is shifted
from a random amorphous state to a neatly arranged crystal state as
the temperature is raised. Highly crystalline nanoparticles which
are organically modified can be obtained by using the technique of
the present invention.
[0082] The high crystallinity can be confirmed by electron
diffraction method, analysis of electron microgram, X-ray
diffraction, thermogravimetry or the like. In the electron
diffraction, as a diffraction interference image, dots are obtained
in case of monocrystal, rings in polycrystal, and halos in
amorphous. In the electron microgram, a crystal plane is clearly
observed in case of monocrystal, and polycrystal has a shape such
that crystals further appear from above particles. When primary
particles of polycrystal are small, and many particles are
coagulated to form a secondary particle, a spherical shape is
observed. The amorphous necessarily shows a spherical shape. In the
X-ray diffraction, a sharp peak can be observed in case of
monocrystal. The crystallite size can be evaluated from the width
of 1/2 height of the X-ray peak by use of Sherre's expression. When
the crystallite size obtained by this evaluation is equal to the
particle size evaluated from the electron microscopic image,
monocrystal is evaluated. In the thermogravimetry, when heating is
performed in a dry inactive gas by a thermobalance, a reduction in
weight by evaporation of adsorbed moisture is observed at about
100.degree. C., and a reduction in weight by dehydration from the
particles is observed up to about 250.degree. C. If an organic
material is contained, a further large reduction in weight is
observed at 250-400.degree. C. In case of the particles obtained by
the technique of the present invention, even if the temperature is
raised to 400.degree. C., the reduction in weight by dehydration
from the crystals is 10% or less at a maximum, greatly different
from the case of metal oxide fine particles synthesized at low
temperature. Accordingly, the fine particles of organically
modified metal oxide fine particles obtained according to the
present invention have high crystallinity as features; for example,
they have sharp peaks in X-ray diffraction, dots or rings are
observed in electron diffraction, dehydration of crystal water is
10% or less per dry particle in thermogravimetry, and/or the
primary particle has a crystal plane in electron microgram.
[0083] When a separating or dispersing operation of fine particles
is performed in relative to particle size by opposing the surface
energy with an external energy such as gravity or electric field or
by means of centrifugal force, gravity settling, electrophoresis,
or the like, particles with a particle size of several 100 nm or
less can be dispersed only when a large external field force is
given thereto. With a particle size of 50 nm or less, the influence
of the surface energy is further increased, and the dispersion is
extremely difficult only with the external field energy, unless the
surface property, the physical property of the solvent, or the like
is controlled. The technique of the present invention can solve
this problem.
[0084] Particularly, when the particle size is 10 nm or less, the
overlapping in a quantum state is eliminated, and the electron
state on the surface seriously affects the bulk physical
properties. Therefore, physical properties completely different
from those of bulk particles can be obtained, or a quantum size
effect (Kubo's effect) is exhibited. Although the particles of a
size of about 10 nm or less can be regarded particularly as
completely different materials, such fine nanoparticles can be
suitably organically modified according to the technique of the
present invention.
[0085] Typical fine particles in the present invention include
those essentially composed of a metal oxide, and these will be
hereinafter referred to as "metal oxide fine particles".
[0086] As the "metal" in a metal oxide contained in the metal oxide
fine particles, typically, any metal capable of producing
nanoparticles can be selected and used, without particular
limitation, from metals known by those skilled in the art. Examples
of typical metals include, with the line connecting boron (B) of
the group IIIB, silicon (Si) of the group IVB, arsenic (As) of the
group VB, and tellurium (Te) of the group VIB in the long-period
periodic table as a border, elements located on this line and
elements situated on the left side or the lower side of the border
in the long-period periodic table, including Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh,
Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, etc. as elements of the VIII group; Cu, Ag, Au,
etc. as elements of the group IB; Zn, Cd, Hg, etc. as elements of
the group IIB; B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, etc. as elements of the group
IIIB; Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, etc. as elements of the group IVB; As, Sb,
Bi, etc. as elements of the group VB; Te, Po, etc. as elements of
the group VIB; and elements of the groups IA-VIIA. Examples of the
metal oxide include oxides of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, Hg,
Al, Ga, In, T, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, Ti, Zr, Mn, Eu, Y, Nb, Ce, Ba, etc.,
and concrete examples thereof include SiO.sub.2, TiO.sub.2,
ZnO.sub.2, SnO.sub.2, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, MnO.sub.2, NiO,
Eu.sub.2O.sub.3, Y.sub.2O.sub.3, Nb.sub.2O.sub.3, InO, ZnO,
Fe.sub.2O.sub.3, Fe.sub.3O.sub.4, Co.sub.3O.sub.4, ZrO.sub.2,
CeO.sub.2, BaO.6Fe.sub.2O.sub.3, Ala(Y+Tb).sub.3O.sub.12,
BaTiO.sub.3, LiCoO.sub.2, LiMn.sub.2O.sub.4, K.sub.2O.6TiO.sub.2,
AlOOH, and the like.
[0087] In the organic modification of the surface of fine
particles, particularly, nanoparticles, any device capable of
attaining a high-temperature, high-pressure condition can be
selected and used, without particular limitation, from devices
well-known by those skilled in the art in the relevant field. For
example, both a batch device and a distribution type device are
applicable. A typical reactor is shown in FIG. 3 as an example,
which may a system as shown in FIG. 5. A proper reaction device can
be constituted as occasion demands.
[0088] As the organic modifying agent, those capable of strongly
bonding hydrocarbon with the surface of fine particles can be
selected, without particular limitation, from organic materials
well-known in the fields where the application of nanoparticles is
expected, including the fields of organic chemistry, inorganic
material, and polymer chemistry. As the organic modifying agent,
for example, those permitting formation of a strong bond such as
ether bond, ester bond, bond through N atom, bond through S atom,
metal-C-- bond, metal-C.dbd. bond, metal-(C.dbd.O)-bond or the like
are given. As the hydrocarbon, those having 1 or 2 carbon atoms can
be used without particularly limiting the carbon number. From the
point of effectively using the features of the present invention, a
long-chain hydrocarbon having a chain having 3 or more carbon atoms
is preferably used, and examples thereof include straight-chain,
branched-chain or cyclic hydrocarbons having 3-20 carbon atoms. The
hydrocarbons may be substituted or non-substituted. The substituent
may be selected from functional groups well-known in the fields of
organic chemistry, inorganic material, polymer chemistry and the
like, and one or more substituents can exist in the hydrocarbon,
wherein the substituents may be the same or different.
[0089] Examples of the organic modifying agent include alcohols,
aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, thiols,
amides, oximes, phosgenes, enamines, amino acids, peptides, sugars
and the like.
[0090] Typical modifying agents include pentanol, pentanal,
pentanoic acid, pentane amide, pentathiol, hexanol, hexanal,
hexanoic acid, hexane amide, hexane thiol, heptanol, heptanal,
heptanoic acid, heptane amide, heptane thiol, octanol, octanal,
octanoic acid, octane amide, octane thiol, decanol, decanal,
decanic acid, decane amide, decane thiol, and the like.
[0091] Examples of the hydrocarbon group include a straight-chain
or branched-chain alkyl group which may be substituted, a cyclic
alkyl group which may be substituted, an aryl group which may be
substituted, an aralkyl group which may be substituted, a saturated
or unsaturated heterocyclic group which may be substituted, and the
like. Examples of the substituent include carboxyl group, cyano
group, nitro group, halogen, ester group, amide group, ketone
group, formyl group, ether group, hydroxyl group, amino group,
sulfonyl group, --O--, --NH--, --S-- and the like.
Reaction Mechanism
[0092] A hydroxyl group is generally present on the surface of a
metal oxide in water. This is resulted from the following
equilibrium in reaction.
MO+H.sub.2O=M(OH) (1)
[0093] This reaction is generally endothermic, and the equilibrium
is shifted to the left at a high temperature side. The reaction by
the surface modifying agent used is as follows, and it is caused by
dehydration reaction.
[0094] The left-pointing reaction (reverse reaction) is a reaction
well-known as hydrolysis of alkoxide or the like, which is easily
caused by addition of water even at about room temperature. This
reverse reaction is generally inhibited at high temperature side
because it is an endothermic reaction, and the right-pointing
reaction becomes more advantageous. This is the same as the
temperature dependency of the dehydration reaction of metal
hydroxide of equation (1).
[0095] The product in water is stabilized more advantageously as
the polarity of the solvent is lower, since the polarity of the
product is low in the right-pointing reaction (dehydration),
compared with in the reaction original system. The higher the
temperature is, the lower the dielectric constant of water is. The
dielectric constant is reduced to 15 or less at 350.degree. C. or
less and suddenly reduced to about 1-10, particularly, in the
vicinity of the critical point. Therefore, the dehydration reaction
is accelerated beyond a general temperature effect.
M(OH)+ROH=M(OR)+H.sub.2O=M.R+2H.sub.2O
M(OH)+RCOOH=M(OCOR)+H.sub.2O=MR+H.sub.2O+CO.sub.2
M(OH)+RCHO=M(OH)CR+H.sub.2O=MC=R+2H.sub.2O, MCR+2H.sub.2O,
MR+H.sub.2+CO.sub.2
M(OH)+RSH=MSR+H.sub.2O (reduction)
[0096] (these equations are referred to as (2))
[0097] Although it is known that the attack on hydroxyl group by
amine progresses in the coexistence of a strong acid or through a
substitution by Cl at room temperature, its replacement with OH
occurs in high-temperature, high-pressure water. It is confirmed,
with respect to organic materials, that amination of hexanol
progresses with carboxylic acid as a catalyst between hexane amide
and hexanol, and it can be presumed that a similar reaction is
proceeding. A part of the reaction mechanism of this technique is
schematically shown in FIG. 7 as an example.
[0098] In case of thiol, the probability of reduction in the
reaction field is reported and it can be presumed that the thiol
was partially reduced on the metal oxide surface, causing a thiol
additive reaction thereby.
Setting Method of Conditions
1) Equilibrium in Reaction
[0099] The reaction condition causing the organic modification can
be summarized as followed although it is varied depending on the
kind of metals and the modifying agent.
[0100] When the equilibrium of equation (1) is on the right and the
equilibrium of equation (2) is on the right, the reaction
progresses. Since the respective equilibriums are varied depending
on the kind of metals and modifying agent, the optimum reaction
condition therefor is also varied. When the temperature is raised,
the equilibrium of equation (2) is shifted to the right and
suddenly shifted to the progress side, particularly, at 350.degree.
C. or higher, while the equilibrium of equation (1) is shifted to
the left. For the reaction conditions, DB of equations (1) and (2)
are referred to.
[0101] Since the functional group on the surface of the metal oxide
can be made to OH by coexistence of a base or acid, the dehydration
reaction with the modifying agent can be progressed in this
condition. In that case, since the dehydration reaction is apt to
occur in the presence of the acid, the reaction can be progressed
by slight coexistence of the acid at high temperature.
2) Phase Equilibrium
[0102] Since alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and amines which
are relatively short-chain hydrocarbons are soluble to water, for
example, surface modification of the metal oxide with methanol is
possible. However, in case of long-chain hydrocarbons, since phase
separation from water phase is caused, the metal oxide actually
located in water phase may not react with the organic modifying
agent even if the equilibrium in reaction gets closer to the
progress side. Namely, introduction of lipophilic group is
relatively easy, but the phase behavior must be taken into
consideration when a long-chain hydrocarbon having three or more
carbon atoms is intended.
[0103] The phase behavior of hydrocarbon and water is already
reported, and this can be referred to. In general, since they form
a homogeneous phase in an optional ratio with a vapor-liquid
critical locus or more, such temperature/pressure conditions are
set, whereby a satisfactory reaction condition can be set.
[0104] When a further lower optimum reaction temperature is
desired, a third component can be made to coexist to form a
homogeneous phase of water and the organic matter. For example, it
is known that the coexistent region of hexanol and water can be
formed at a further low temperature by the coexistence of ethanol
or ethylene glycol which forms a homogeneous phase with water even
at low temperature. This can be applied to the reaction of a metal
oxide and an organic material. In this case, it is important to
select the third component so as not to cause a surface
modification reaction by the third component.
[0105] The long-chain organic modification in water can be
performed only by the above-mentioned technique.
In-Situ Surface Modification in Hydrothermal Synthesis
[0106] As described above, the generation of hydroxyl group on the
metal oxide surface of equation (1) and the temperature dependency
of organic modification reaction of equation (2) are reversed.
Therefore, when the reaction of equation (1) is on the left or on
the dehydration side, in order to cause a surface modification
reaction, the setting of the reaction condition such as coexistence
of an acid becomes extremely important, but might be difficult.
[0107] The in-situ surface modification in hydrothermal synthesis
enables this.
[0108] The hydrothermal synthesis progresses by the following
reaction route.
Al(NOs).sub.3+3H.sub.2O.dbd.Al(OH).sub.3+3HNO.sub.3
nAl(OH)s=nAlO(OH)+nH.sub.2O
nAlO(OH)=n/2Al.sub.2O.sub.3+n/2H.sub.2O
[0109] In use of other metal spices and sulfates, hydrochlorides or
the like, the synthesis progresses also by such a route. When the
hydrothermal synthesis is carried out, for example, by use of a
device as shown in FIG. 18 with high-temperature, high-pressure
water as a reaction field, particles of a further minute particle
size can be obtained as shown in FIG. 18. Therefore, it will be
obvious that further fine organically modified particles can be
obtained according to the in-situ surface modification technique.
It will be also obvious that the size of particles can be
controlled by adjusting the temperature or pressure.
[0110] As shown herein, even if the hydroxyl group is finally
desorbed from the surface by the dehydration reaction, many
hydroxyl groups are generated in a product or on the surface
thereof as a reaction precursor. If the organic modifying agent is
coexistent in this reaction field, the reaction can be carried out
in a condition where the hydroxyl groups are present. Since the
acid also as a catalyst for proceeding the dehydration reaction is
coexistent in the reaction field, the modification reaction is
accelerated. Accordingly, the surface modification which could not
be performed to oxides can be carried out.
[0111] According to the technique of the present invention, the
surface of fine particles can be organically modified without being
based on that the equilibration to an oxide by attainment of a
high-temperature field, such that a precursor is once synthesized
and then subjected to hydrolysis or the like to synthesize a metal
oxide or metal hydroxide, or without using a surface radical
polymerizing substrate, for example, an oxidizing material
sensitive to temperature or light. Accordingly, metal particles or
particles with different oxidation-reduction states can be
organically surface-modified.
[0112] In the present invention, synthesis of an inorganic-organic
composite material is attempted by use of a phase state such that
water and an organic material forms a homogeneous phase, in which
the surface of highly crystalline metal or metal oxide
nanoparticles of a size of several nm to 50 nm or less is modified
with an organic molecule while synthesizing them. By using the
high-temperature, high-pressure water hydrothermal synthetic method
therein, the conventional problems of 1) organically modifying the
surface of highly crystalline nanoparticles while synthesizing it
and 2) forming a polymer film of single layer can be solved.
Further, the conventional industrial problems of 1) recovery of
nanoparticles from a reaction solvent; 2) stable dispersion and
retention thereof over a long period at high concentration in the
solvent; 3) homogenous dispersion thereof with a polymer in high
concentration; and 4) two-dimensional arrangement of nanoparticles
can be solved thereby.
[0113] Various nanoparticle synthetic methods such as CVD, PVD,
atomization thermal decomposition, sol-gel process, reversed
micelle method, hot soap method, and supercritical hydrothermal
synthesis have been developed. However, because nanoparticles are
easily coagulated with extremely high surface energy, natural
physical properties thereof cannot be often exhibited. A method for
recovering the nanoparticles is needed. Further, the nanoparticles
must be dispersed and stabilized after recovery. The nanoparticles
must be satisfactorily dispersed to a resin, plastic or solvent at
the time of use. To satisfy these needs, it is necessary to modify
the surface of the nanoparticles with organic materials according
to the respective purposes. It is desirable to modify the same
polymer as the resin and the same functional group as the solvent.
These can be solved by the present invention.
[0114] Some techniques for surface-modifying the nanoparticles are
proposed. However, with a conventional weak linkage such as
coordination of thiol with a metal surface or adsorption of a
surface active agent to a metal oxide, semiconductor
characteristic, fluorescent characteristic, light emitting
characteristic, dielectric characteristic and the like, which are
developed by making particles to a nano-size, might be lost. If a
metal or metal oxide can be covalent-bonded with an organic
molecule, nonconventional characteristics of nanoparticles can be
derived. In BaTiO.sub.3, for example, although a dielectric loss
appears in an adsorption layer, it can be significantly reduced in
a covalent-bond molecule.
[0115] The technique for performing the organic modification by
forming the covalent bond includes use of a silane coupling agent.
In this case, formation of a Si atom layer on the nanoparticle
surface might cause a loss of semiconductor characteristic,
fluorescent characteristic, light emitting characteristic,
dielectric characteristic and the like of the nanoparticles
similarly to the above. Introduction of a functional group by use
of a chloro-compound is also included. This might cause dissolution
of nanoparticles in the modification reaction condition (in a high
pH or a low pH). These problems can be solved by the present
invention. According to the present invention, a high-temperature,
high-pressure hydrothermal synthetic method can be adapted, and
highly crystal nanoparticles can be organically modified with
synthesis thereof. When an organic material is made coexist in a
high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal synthetic field, a
strong surface modification having the organic material bonded with
the surface of metal oxide particles is formed by the homogeneous
phase reaction of the organic material with the particle surface,
while synthesizing the particles. Even particles of a particle size
of 50 nm or less can be sufficiently provided while keeping
extremely high crystallinity. The high-temperature, high-pressure
water forms a homogenous phase even with the organic material. An
organic-inorganic combination is formed on the generated particle
surface. Since other reactions such as polymerization reaction are
never caused, modification of only one layer can be performed. The
surface modification inhibits the crystal growth to enable
synthesis of nanoparticles. At the time of synthesis, an in-situ
high-temperature thermal treatment effect can be obtained to
enhance the crystallinity.
[0116] In the present invention, use of an organic/inorganic
composite body as a precursor is not requested as a means for
synthesizing nanoparticles, and the applicable range thereof is
remarkably excellent.
[0117] Consequently, the following effects can be expected.
1) Recovery of Nanoparticles from Water Phase.
[0118] The nanoparticles synthesized in supercritical water are
generally suspended in water. However, they can be transferred to
oil phase by the surface modification of the present invention, and
perfectly separated from water.
[0119] The recovery of the nanoparticles was extremely difficult.
Although addition of a coagulating agent or use of a surface active
agent or adsorbent is empirically adapted, a technique for further
recovering the nanoparticles therefrom is needed, and a new
dispersing technique is also requested to disperse them. According
to the technique of the present invention, the particles can be
recovered as they are without requiring such an operation.
2) Satisfactory Dispersion of Nanoparticles in an Organic Solvent,
Super-High Concentration Dispersion Possible in Principle
[0120] Hydrophilic titania particles were suspended in water, but
transferred from water to chloroform phase by the surface
modification of the present invention.
[0121] The surface modification can be performed while performing
crystal precipitation without surface modifying operation, a
surface reforming operation with a surface active agent or the like
as in the past. Although the conventional methods had a limitation
for introduction of a modifying group, an optional modifying group
can be introduced. Accordingly, a solvent most suitable to a resin
or solvent can be selected. The same molecule as the resin or
solvent is used, whereby ultimately high-concentration dispersion
and even dispersion without using the solvent or resin can be
performed.
3) Interface Arrangement by Surface Modification with Controlled
Covering Ratio
[0122] It was observed that, when the covering ratio is reduced by
controlling the reaction, particles are arranged in the interface
of water and oil. Accordingly, in addition to the recovery of
particles, a nanoparticle arrangement can be performed by using the
technique of the present invention.
4) Continuous Control of Dispersibility
[0123] The nanoparticles dispersed in water can be easily
precipitated by use of a proper solvent system such as a solution
of water:ethanol=50:50 by surface-modifying them according to the
technique of the present invention. The concentration at which the
precipitation starts can be continuously changed by controlling the
degree of surface modification. Concretely, for example, a
phenomenon as shown in FIG. 19 can be attained.
5) Presentation of Selective Recognition Ability
[0124] Nanoparticles modified with a functional group forming no
chemical bond therewith or nanoparticles modified with a functional
group forming a chemical bond therewith can be produced. The
mutually bonding ability can be given by such a surface
modification, and a high-order structure of nanoparticles can be
formed by use of the technique of the present invention.
[0125] The nanoparticles are applied to various uses; for example,
SiO.sub.2 for a pigment, a catalyst carrier, a high-temperature
material, a honeycomb, an anticorrosive material, etc.;
Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 for a pigment, a magnetic material, etc.; CeO.sub.2
for an abrasive material, a catalyst carrier, an ion conductor, a
solid electrolyte, etc.; TiO.sub.2 for a photocatalyst, a cosmetic,
etc.; Y.sub.2O.sub.3 for a pigment, a catalyst carrier, etc.; InO
for a transparent conductor, etc.; ZnO for a phosphor material, a
conductive material, a pigment, a electronic material, etc.;
SiO.sub.2 for a catalyst carrier, a zeolite, a filler, a bead,
etc.; SnO.sub.2 for a conductive material, a conductor, a sensor, a
honeycomb, etc.; Nb.sub.2O.sub.3 for a magnetic material, etc.; Cu,
Ag or Al for an electrode, a catalyst material, etc.; Ni for an
electrode, a magnetic material, a catalyst material, etc.; Co or Fe
for a magnetic material, a catalyst material, etc.; Ag/Cu for an
electrode, a catalyst material, etc.; and B.sub.4C, AlN, TiB.sub.2
and the like for a high-temperature material, a high-strength
material, etc.
[0126] The nanoparticles or a thin film having a specified
arrangement of the nanoparticles are recognized to show unique
excellent characteristics, respectively. For example, it is known
that nanoparticles arranged in a single layer, or magnetic
nanoparticles show excellent functions as a near-field storage
medium, in which the nanoparticles can be compactly filled. They
effectively exhibit excellent characteristics in application to a
magnetic tape or the like. Since a quantum size effect can be
obtained in nanoparticles arranged in a dispersion system pattern,
for example, a nanophosphor, a product such as quantum effect
phosphor, quantum effect light emitter, or LSI high-density
mounting base can be provided. A multilayer simultaneous
arrangement of nanoparticles such as titania shows excellent
functions such as low light scattering and photocatalyst effect,
and is made into a wet photoelectric conversion element, a
high-function photocatalyst coating or the like. A
particle-dispersed film shows excellent functions such as a
reinforcing effect or an inflammable effect, and is made into a
semiconductor sealant or the like. Typical nanoparticles and fine
particles and the preparation methods and particle sizes thereof
will be understood in reference to FIG. 4.
[0127] Fine particles (including nanoparticles) organically
surface-modified according to the present invention function as
particles suitable to users' needs. For example, the particles are
useful as a high-concentration barium titanate-dispersed resin for
semiconductor packaging, nanoparticle-dispersed ink for ink jet, a
battery material, a catalyst material, a lubricant or the like, and
such a material can be prepared as follows.
[0128] An electronic part such as a semiconductor is needed to be
packaged with a high-dielectric constant resin in order to
eliminate electric disturbance out of the package. A barium
titanate particle-dispersed thermosetting resin is used therefor. A
high-concentration barium titanate-dispersed resin for packaging a
semiconductor requires high concentration dispersion of barium
titanate particles. Although the barium titanate can be dispersed
in a resin using a surface active agent, it has the problem of
causing a dielectric loss in the interface. By using the technique
for producing organic modified fine particles of the present
invention, surface-modified particles with strong linkage can be
synthesized, and by introducing the same monomer as the resin, a
material in which the resin is integrated with the organic material
can be ultimately synthesized.
[0129] The nanoparticles are used for ink for high-tech equipment,
for example, nanoparticle-dispersed ink for ink jet because of
excellent physical properties such as hue, satisfactory coloring
and durability. An ink jet printer by the ink dispersed with
nanoparticles is expected to be used for formation of wiring and
circuit diagrams by ink jet. However, to that end, it is necessary
to synthesize nanoparticles suitable thereto and disperse them to a
solvent in a high concentration. According to the technique for
producing organically modified fine particles of the present
invention, particles having the same polymer as an ink solvent can
be synthesized.
[0130] A battery material, for example, an electrode material such
as an Li ion battery or a capacitor material, is mixed with a
carbonaceous material and made to a material for product. The
battery material is needed to be sufficiently dispersed to carbon
and a solvent. In general, a treatment using a dispersant is
needed. According to the technique for producing organically
modified fine particles of the present invention, a material
homogenously dispersible with the solvent can be synthesized
without using the dispersant.
[0131] A carrier metal catalyst is activated by a charge transfer
caused by the interaction of the orbital function of the metal with
an oxide catalyst. By using the technique for producing organically
modified fine particles of the present invention, capable of mixing
dissimilar materials in a nanometer order, a catalyst having
activating points where the metal makes contact with the oxide in a
high density can be prepared to produce an excellent catalyst
material.
[0132] A lubricant, which is used to reduce the friction acting
between solid bodies, can be expected to work as a nano-bearing by
including the nanoparticles therein. Concretely, shearing force is
converted to the rotating motion energy of the bearing, whereby the
transmission to the other side of the shearing force is prevented.
Conventionally, an organic polymer has been used as the lubricant,
and oxide nanoparticles having a strong structure can be dispersed
thereto by the technique for producing organically modified fine
particles of the present invention.
[0133] The present invention will be further concretely described
with working examples. The examples are provided simply to be
illustrative of the present invention and informative for concrete
embodiments thereof. These examples describe specified concrete
embodiments of the present invention, but never limit the scope of
the invention disclosed in the present application or indicate a
limitation thereof. It should be understood that various
embodiments can be made based on the idea herein.
[0134] All the examples were executed or can be executed by use of
standard techniques, except those described in detail, and they are
well-known and regular for those skilled in the art.
Example 1
(Organic Modification of Metal Oxide Fine Particles in
High-Temperature, High-Pressure Water)
[0135] An experiment was carried out using a 5 cc-tubular autoclave
(tube bomb reactor). TiO.sub.2 nanoparticles 0.1 g was charged in a
reactor tube with pure water 2.5 cc and hexanal 0.1 cc. The reactor
tube was put in a heating furnace preliminarily set to 400.degree.
C., and heated. The pressure is 390 bar on the assumption of pure
water. It took 1.5 min to raise the temperature. The reaction was
carried out for 10 min. The reaction was stopped by putting the
reactor tube to cold water. The product was recovered by repeating
washing with water and washing with chloroform twice. The recovered
product is shown on the right of FIG. 8. In case of using no
hexanal, the recovered product is in a state suspended in water as
shown in the left of FIG. 8. This is caused by generation of
hydrophilic groups. Such a remarkable difference cannot be observed
only by mixing a modifying agent without reaction, showing that
this is not resulted from physical adsorption of a modifying group.
According to the IR spectral measurement of the resulting
particles, the hydroxyl groups on the surface are reduced, linkages
of Ti--O--R, Ti--(C.dbd.O)--R, and Ti--R were observed. The
formation of covalent bond by the reaction could be confirmed.
[0136] Accordingly, surface modification of a metal oxide can be
performed by using high-temperature, high-pressure water as a
reaction solvent.
Example 21
(Organic Modification of Metal Oxide Fine Particles in
High-Temperature, High-Pressure Water)
[0137] An experiment was carried out using a 5-cc tubular autoclave
(tube bomb reactor) similarly to Example 1. SiO.sub.2 nanoparticles
0.1 g was charged in a reactor tube with pure water 2.5 cc and
hexylamine 0.1 cc. The reactor tube was put in a heating furnace
preliminarily set to 400.degree. C., and heated. The pressure is
390 bar on the assumption of pure water. It took 1.5 min to raise
the temperature. The reaction was carried out for 10 min. The
reaction was stopped by putting the reactor tube to cold water. The
product was recovered by repeating washing with water and washing
with chloroform twice. In case of using no hexylamine, the
recovered product is in a state suspended in water similarly to
Example 1. This is caused by generation of hydrophilic groups. In
contrast, when the modification was performed, the particles were
collected to the interface between chloroform and water. It was
found therefrom that the modification is too imperfect to provide a
sufficient wetting angle to water and chloroform, the particles are
not transferred to the chloroform phase but collected to the
interface. A controlled organic modification in high-temperature,
high-pressure water shows the probability of collection of a metal
oxide to the interface. In this case, also, such a remarkable
difference cannot be observed only by mixing a modifying agent
without reaction, showing that this is not resulted from physical
adsorption of a modifying group. According to the IR spectral
measurement of the resulting particles, peaks of CH.sub.2 and
CH.sub.3 were observed on the surface (FIG. 9). Accordingly, the
formation of covalent bond by the reaction could be confirmed.
Example 31
(Amino Acid Modification of Metal Oxide Fine Particles in
High-Temperature, High-Pressure Water)
[0138] An experimental reaction was carried out using a 5
cc-tubular autoclave (tube bomb reactor).
[0139] SiO.sub.2 nanoparticles 0.1 g was charged in a reactor tube
with pure water 2.5 cc and cysteine 100 mg. The reactor tube was
put in a heating furnace preliminarily set to 400.degree. C., and
heated. The pressure is 390 bar on the assumption of pure water. It
took 1.5 min to raise the temperature. The reaction was carried out
for 10 min. The reaction was stopped by putting the reactor tube to
cold water. The recovered particles are perfectly dispersed in
water more satisfactorily than in the suspended state before
reaction. This shows that coagulation of SiO.sub.2 is prevented by
donation of hydrophilic groups to enhance the dispersibility.
[0140] Similarly to Examples 1 and 2, such a remarkable difference
cannot be observed only by mixing a modifying agent without
reaction, showing that this is not resulted from physical
adsorption of a modifying group. According to the IR spectral
measurement of the resulting particles, COOH and NH.sub.2 groups
are reduced, while linkages of Si--N--R and SIO--(CO)R are observed
on the surface. Accordingly, the formation of covalent bond by the
reaction could be confirmed.
Example 4
(Organic Modification of Metal Oxide Fine Particles in
High-Temperature, High-Pressure Water in Coexistence of Acid)
[0141] An experimental reaction was carried out using a 5-cc
tubular autoclave (tube bomb reactor).
[0142] Al.sub.2O.sub.3 nanoparticles 0.1 g was charged in a reactor
tube with 0.1M aqueous solution of H.sub.2SO.sub.4 2.5 cc and
hexanal 0.1 cc. The reactor tube was put in a heating furnace
preliminarily set to 400.degree. C., and heated. The pressure is
390 bar on the assumption of pure water. It took 1.5 min to raise
the temperature. The reaction was carried out for 10 min. The
reaction was stopped by putting the reactor tube to cold water. The
product was recovered by repeating washing with water and washing
with chloroform twice. An experiment for recovering the product not
with chloroform but with hexanol was also carried out in the same
manner.
[0143] In case of using pure water without addition of the acid,
the recovered product is in a state precipitated in the bottom of
the chloroform phase (the lower phase). This is the same as the
result of the experiment without surface treatment. In contrast,
when the surface modification is performed in the coexistence of
the acid, the product is laid in a state partially suspended in the
chloroform phase. When recovered with hexanol, the product is
partially suspended in the hexanol and partially collected to the
interface between hexanol (the upper phase) and water. This shows
that the surface treatment reaction progresses by the coexistence
of the acid. Even in such a reaction system where the organic
modification is difficult to progress, the reaction can be
progressed by the coexistence of the acid. The same experiment was
carried out for ZnO which was difficult to modify, and it was
confirmed that the coexistence of the acid enables the modification
thereof.
Example 5
(Long-Chain Organic Modification of Metal Oxide Fine Particles in
High-Temperature, High-Pressure Water)
[0144] An experimental reaction was carried out using a 5
cc-tubular autoclave (tube bomb reactor).
[0145] SiO.sub.2 nanoparticles 0.1 g was charged in a reactor tube
with pure water 1.5 cc and dodecanal 1 cc. The reactor tube was put
in a heating furnace preliminarily set to 400.degree. C., and
heated. The pressure is 390 bar on the assumption of pure water. It
took 1.5 min to raise the temperature. The reaction was carried out
for 10 min. The reaction was stopped by putting the reactor tube to
cold water. The product was recovered by repeating washing with
water and washing with chloroform twice. The same experiment was
carried out by use of hexanal.
[0146] In case of using no decanal, the recovered product was in a
state suspended in water. In contrast, when the modification was
performed, the particles were collected to the interface between
chloroform and water at 400.degree. C., showing that the
modification was attained. In case of using hexanal, the reaction
was satisfactorily progressed at 300.degree. C. and 400.degree. C.,
and a slight progress of the reaction was confirmed further at
200.degree. C. However, in case of using dodecanal, satisfactory
surface modification could be performed at 400.degree. C., but the
reaction was not progressed at all at 200.degree. C. Even at
300.degree. C., the degree of progress of the reaction was low,
compared with the case of hexanal.
[0147] Sufficient examples for the phase behavior of alkane-water
phase were reported, and formation of a heterogeneous phase was
probably caused at low temperature, drawing up the phase behavior
of the dodecane-water system.
Example 6
(Organic Modification of Metal Oxide Fine Particles in
High-Temperature, High-Pressure Water)
[0148] An experimental reaction was carried out using a 5-cc
tubular autoclave (tube bomb reactor). TiO.sub.2 nanoparticles 0.1
g was charged in a reactor tube with pure water 2.5 cc and hexanoic
acid 0.1 cc. The reactor tube was put in a heating furnace
preliminarily set to 400.degree. C., and heated. The pressure is
390 bar on the assumption of pure water. It took 1.5 min to raise
the temperature. The reaction was carried out for 10 min. The
reaction was stopped by putting the reactor tube to cold water. The
product was recovered by repeating washing with water and washing
with chloroform twice. The recovered product is shown in FIG.
10.
[0149] In case of using no hexanoic acid or performing no surface
modification, the recovered product is in a state suspended in
water (the upper phase) as shown in the left of FIG. 10. However,
the nanoparticles surface-modified with hexanoic acid were
transferred to the chloroform phase (the lower phase). This
suggests that hydrophilic groups (OH) are generated on the surface
of TiO.sub.2 nanoparticles when the surface modification is not
performed. In contrast, hydrophobic groups are introduced to the
particle surface as a result of surface modification with hexanoic
acid. Such a remarkable difference cannot be observed only by
mixing a modifying agent without reaction, showing that this is not
caused physical adsorption of a modifying group. According to the
IR spectral measurement of the resulting particles, as shown in
FIG. 11, peaks of CH.sub.3 and CH.sub.2 couplings were observed.
According to this, the formation of covalent bond by the reaction
could be confirmed.
[0150] By using high-temperature, high-pressure water as a reaction
solvent, surface modification of a metal oxide can be performed.
The same result is also obtained in the use of hexanamide.
Example 7
[0151] (Organic Modification of Meal Oxide Fine Particles in
High-Temperature, High-Pressure Water with Amino Acid)
[0152] An experimental reaction was carried out using a 5-cc
tubular autoclave (tube bomb reactor). TiO.sub.2 nanoparticles 0.1
g was charged in a reactor tube with pure water 2.5 cc and
asparaginic acid 100 mg. The reactor tube was put in a heating
furnace preliminarily set to 400.degree. C., and heated. The
pressure is 390 bar on the assumption of pure water. It took 1.5
min to raise the temperature. The reaction was carried out for 10
min. The reaction was stopped by putting the reactor tube to cold
water. The recovered particles were perfectly dispersed in water
more satisfactorily (the right of FIG. 12) than in the state
suspended in water before the reaction (the light of FIG. 12). This
shows that coagulation of TiO.sub.2 can be prevented by donation of
hydrophilic groups to enhance the dispersibility.
[0153] Similarly to Examples 2 and 6, such a remarkable difference
cannot be observed only by mixing a modifying agent without
reaction, showing that this is not caused by physical adsorption of
a modifying group. According to the IR spectral measurement of the
resulting particles, COOH and NH.sub.2 groups were reduced, while
linkages of Ti--N--R, TiO--(CO)R and Ti--R were observed on the
surface. According to this, the formation of covalent bond by the
reaction could be confirmed.
Example 8
[0154] (Organic Modification of Metal Oxide Fine Particles in
High-Temperature, High-Pressure Water with Long-Chain
Hydrocarbon)
[0155] An experimental reaction was carried out using a 5-cc
tubular autoclave (tube bomb reactor). SiO.sub.2 nanoparticles 0.1
g was charged in a reactor tube with pure water 1.5 cc and decanoic
acid 1 cc. The reactor tube was put in a heating furnace
preliminarily set to 400.degree. C., and heated. The pressure is
390 bar on the assumption of pure water. It took 1.5 min to raise
the temperature. The reaction was carried out for 10 min. The
reaction was stopped by putting the reactor tube to cold water. The
product was recovered by repeating washing with water and washing
with hexadecane twice. The recovered product is shown in the right
of FIG. 13. In case of using no decanoic acid, the recovered
product is in a state suspended in water, but when the modification
is performed, it is dispersed in hexadecane as shown in the right
of FIG. 13, showing that the modification was attained.
[0156] The same experiment was carried out for decanal and decane
amine, and the same result was obtained. The state of organically
modified nanoparticles with decane amine is shown on the left of
FIG. 13. It shows that the particles can be surface-modified with a
long-chain organic material hardly soluble to water at about room
temperature.
Example 9
(In-Situ Organic Modification in High-Temperature, High-Pressure
Hydrothermal Synthesis (1))
[0157] An experimental reaction was carried out using a 5-cc
tubular autoclave (tube bomb reactor). Hydrogen peroxide was added
to 0.01 Mol/l of Mn(NO.sub.3).sub.2 aqueous solution to have an
amount of 0.05 Mol/l, the resulting mixture 2.5 g was charged in a
reactor tube, and hexanol 0.1 cc was further charged therein. The
reactor tube was put in a heating furnace preliminarily set to
400.degree. C., and heated. The pressure is 390 bar on the
assumption of pure water. It took 1.5 min to raise the temperature.
The reaction was carried out for 10 min, and the product was
recovered. The recovered product is shown in FIG. 14. In case of
using no hexanol, the recovered product is in a state suspended in
water as shown in FIG. 14a), and this is caused by generation of
hydrophilic groups. In contrast, when the modification was
performed, the product was laid in a state perfectly separated from
water phase as shown in FIG. 14b).
[0158] In general, although it is technically difficult to recover
nanoparticles generated in an aqueous solution from water phase,
the particles can be easily separated and recovered from the
aqueous solution according to the technique of the present
invention. Although it is not easy to modify a preliminarily
generated metal oxide with hexanol, the organic modification of the
oxide nanoparticle surface can be performed by the in-situ surface
modification.
Example 10
(In-Situ Organic Modification in High-Temperature, High-Pressure
Hydrothermal Synthesis (2))
[0159] An experimental reaction was carried out using a 5-cc
tubular autoclave (tube bomb reactor). Hydrogen peroxide was added
to 0.01 Mol/of Zn(NO.sub.3).sub.2 aqueous solution to have an
amount of 0.05 Mol/l, the resulting mixture 2.5 g was charged in a
reactor tube, and hexanol 0.1 cc was further charged therein. The
reactor tube was put in a heating furnace preliminarily set to
400.degree. C., and heated. The pressure is 390 bar on the
assumption of pure water. It took 1.5 min to raise the temperature.
The reaction was carried out for 10 min, and the product was
recovered. In case of using no hexanol, the recovered product is in
a state suspended in water, and this is caused by generation of
hydrophilic groups. In contrast, when the modification was
performed, the product was laid in a state perfectly separated from
water phase. The same experiment was carried out using
Zn(COOH).sub.2 in addition to Zn(NO.sub.3).sub.2.
[0160] In every case, as shown in Example 4, it was difficult for
ZnO to perform satisfactory modification without the coexistence of
an acid. According to the present technique, the in-situ surface
modification can be performed. Particularly, in case of a formate,
the generated acid is HCOOH, the decomposition of which to
H.sub.2+CO.sub.2 in a high temperature field is known, and it does
not function as the acid. The reason that satisfactory surface
modification can be attained despite of it is attributable to that
the dehydration reaction of hydroxyl group OH with an organic
modifying agent in the initial stage of crystal growth
satisfactorily progresses.
[0161] TEM images of the particles obtained according to the
present technique are shown in FIG. 15. It was observed from FIG.
15 that surface-modified particles (the lower side) are uniform
fine particles, compared with those not subjected to surface
modification (the upper side). The particle growth is inhibited by
the surface modification, and fine particles can be obtained.
Example 11
(In-Situ Organic Modification in High-Temperature, High-Pressure
Hydrothermal Synthesis (3))
[0162] An experimental reaction was carried out using a 5-cc
tubular autoclave (tube bomb reactor). Hydrogen peroxide was added
to 0.01 Mol/l of Mn(NO.sub.3).sub.2 aqueous solution to have an
amount of 0.1 Mol/l, the resulting mixture 2.5 g was charged in a
reactor tube, and hexanol 0.1 cc was further charged therein. The
reactor tube was put in a heating furnace preliminarily set to
400.degree. C., and heated. The pressure is 390 bar on the
assumption of pure water. It took 1.5 min to raise the temperature.
The reaction was carried out for 10 min, and the product was
recovered. The recovered product is shown in FIG. 16b). In case of
using no hexanol, the recovered product is in a state suspended in
water as shown in FIG. 16a), and this is caused by generation of
hydrophilic groups. In contrast, when the modification was
performed, the product was laid in a state perfectly separated from
water phase.
Example 12
[In-Situ Organic Modification in High-Temperature, High-Pressure
Hydrothermal Synthesis (4)]
[0163] An experimental reaction was carried out using a 5-cc
tubular autoclave (tube bomb reactor). Hydrogen peroxide was added
to 0.01 Mol/of Ce(NO.sub.3).sub.2 aqueous solution to have an
amount of 0.01 Mol/l, the resulting mixture 2.5 g was charged in a
reactor tube, and hexanoic acid 0.1 cc was further charged therein.
The reactor tube was put in a heating furnace preliminarily set to
400.degree. C., and heated. The pressure is 390 bar on the
assumption of pure water. It took 1.5 min to raise the temperature.
The reaction was carried out for 10 min, and the product was
recovered. The recovered product is shown in FIG. 17. In case of
using no hexanoic acid, the recovered product is in a state
suspended in water as shown in FIG. 17a), and this is caused by
generation of hydrophilic groups. Although the treatment was not
progressed at 200.degree. C. (FIG. 17b)), the product was laid in a
state perfectly separated from water phase at 300.degree. C. and
400.degree. C. as shown in FIG. 17 c) and d).
[0164] In the modification by use of the hexanoic acid insoluble to
water, the treatment does not progress at a low temperature of
200.degree. C. since a homogenous layer cannot formed with water,
but progresses at 300.degree. C. or 400.degree. C., where the
dielectric constant of water is reduced to enable the formation of
the homogeneous phase with a modifying agent. This shows also the
presence of a case essentially requiring a treatment in a
high-temperature range where the reaction can sufficiently
progress.
Example 13
[In-Situ Organic Modification in High-Temperature, High-Pressure
Hydrothermal Synthesis (5)]
[0165] With respect to Fe.sub.2O.sub.3, NiO, ZnO and
Co.sub.2O.sub.3, reactions were carried out in coexistence of
hexanol, hexanoic acid, hexylamine, hexanal, and hexane thiol in
the same manner as Examples 9-12. The results are collectively
shown in Tables 1-4.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 None R--OH R--CHO R--COOH
R--NH.sub.2 R--SH 200.degree. C. W a little, red red little Int. w
w w, red thick layer o w, red w, red O more, red 300.degree. C. W
red a little, red little Int. w o o, red thin layer w, red thick
layer o, red o, brown O more more 400.degree. C. W red a little
Int. w w w, brown w, brown thick layer o, brown gray O a little
more, red more a little more L.sub.400 > L.sub.300 >
L.sub.200 L.sub.200 > L.sub.300 > L.sub.400 S.sub.200 >
S.sub.300 > S.sub.400 S.sub.300 > S.sub.400 > S.sub.200
S.sub.300 > S.sub.400 > S.sub.200 S.sub.200 > S.sub.300
> S.sub.400 S.sub.400 > S.sub.300 > S.sub.200 S.sub.300
> S.sub.400 > S.sub.200 NP exist mostly NP exist mostly NP
exist mostly NP are almost NP exist mostly NP exist mostly in water
phase. in water phase in water phase practically in water phase in
water phase at 200.degree. C.; at 200.degree. C.; dissolved in at
200.degree. C. at 200.degree. C.; in both water and mostly in
organic phase at and 300.degree. C.; and mostly in phase and
organic organic phase 200.degree. C.; and exist and mostly in
boundary phase phase at 300.degree. C.; at 300.degree. C. mostly in
water organic phase at 400.degree. C., and mostly in and at
400.degree. C. phase at 300.degree. C. at 400.degree. C. most of
which organic phase at and at 400.degree. C. are present
400.degree. C. with organic phase-dependency.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 None R--OH R--CHO R--COOH R--NH.sub.2 R--SH
200.degree. C. W green a little a little Int. o o o w w w O more,
white white a little, white little little brown 300.degree. C. W
green a little more, green a little Int. o w w w w o O little,
brown green green more, green 400.degree. C. W w o o o a little
Int. w, more & brown w o o o w O green more, green brown more,
black more S.sub.200 > S.sub.300 > S.sub.400 S.sub.200 >
S.sub.400 > S.sub.300 S.sub.400 > S.sub.300 > S.sub.200
S.sub.400 > S.sub.300 > S.sub.200 S.sub.400 > S.sub.300
> S.sub.200 S.sub.300 > S.sub.400 > S.sub.200 NP exist
mostly NP exist mostly in The quantity of NP The quantity of NP NP
almost in water phase The quantity of present in both present in
both practically exist at 300.degree. C.; NP present in both water
phase and water phase and in organic phase and the quantity water
phase and organic phase at organic phase at 300.degree. C. of NP
present organic phase at 200.degree. C. is smaller at 200.degree.
C. in both water 200.degree. C. is smaller than in the cases of is
smaller than phase and than in the other temperatures. in the cases
organic phase cases of other of other at 200.degree. C.
temperatures. temperatures; is smaller and NP exist mostly than in
the in organic phase cases of other at 400.degree. C.
temperatures
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 ZnO None R--OH R--CHO R--COOH R--NH.sub.2
R--SH 200.degree. C. W more Int. w w w, white w w O more, white
more, white a little more, yellow more, white yellow 300.degree. C.
W Int. w, more o, thin layer o o w, more O yellow yellow more,
yellow white white more, yellow 400.degree. C. W yellow more Int.
w, thick layer w, more w, more o, a little o, black O a little
white white L.sub.400 > L.sub.200 > L.sub.300 L.sub.300 >
L.sub.400 > L.sub.200 S.sub.200 > S.sub.300 > S.sub.400
S.sub.300 > S.sub.200 > S.sub.400 S.sub.300 > S.sub.200
> S.sub.400 S.sub.300 > S.sub.200 > S.sub.400 S.sub.200
> S.sub.300 > S.sub.400 S.sub.300 > S.sub.200 >
S.sub.400
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Co.sub.2O.sub.3 None R--OH R--CHO R--COOH
R--NH.sub.2 R--SH 200.degree. C. W a little, red red red red Int. o
o o o o o O gray little, red 300.degree. C. W yellow more, yellow
more, yellow more, yellow Int. w w w w, thin layer o O little more,
gray red 400.degree. C. W more, gray more, yellow yellow yellow
more, gray a little Int. w w o w, thin layer o O a little little a
little a little more, gray L.sub.200 > L.sub.300 > L.sub.400
L.sub.200 > L.sub.300 > L.sub.400 L.sub.200 > L.sub.300
> L.sub.400 S.sub.200 > S.sub.300 > S.sub.400 S.sub.200
> S.sub.300 > S.sub.400 S.sub.200 > S.sub.300 >
S.sub.400 S.sub.200 > S.sub.300 > S.sub.400 S.sub.200 >
S.sub.300 > S.sub.400 S.sub.400 > S.sub.300 > S.sub.200
The reagent Usable as a with --NH2 satisfactory is excellent
surface at 300.degree. C. modifying because agent because
separation of high is almost solubility perfectly of NP to this
performed; reagent at and the 400.degree. C. solubility is lower
both in water phase and in organic phase than that in other cases
at 400.degree. C.
[0166] The respective notations in the tables mean as follows:
None: No modifying agent, W: Water phase, Int.: Interface phase
between water phase and organic phase, O: Organic phase, a little:
Existing a little, little: Existing only a little, w: Transferred
from interface to water phase by slight vibration, o: Transferred
from interface to oil phase by slight vibration, more: Existing
more, NP: nanoparticles, L: Thickness of boundary phase with a
subscript showing the treatment temperature, S: Solubility of NP in
organic phase with a subscript showing the treatment
temperature.
[0167] The comparison result as the whole is shown in Table 5.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 1. At 200.degree. C.:
S.sub.--COOH > S.sub.--.sub.CHO > S.sub.--.sub.OH >
S.sub.--.sub.NH2> S.sub.--.sub.SH (--COOH is the best reagent)
2. At 300.degree. C.: S.sub.--CHO > S.sub.--.sub.OH >
S.sub.--.sub.SH > S.sub.--.sub.NH2 > S.sub.--.sub.COOH (--CHO
is the best reagent) 3. At 400.degree. C.: S.sub.--NH2 >
S.sub.--.sub.CHO > S.sub.--.sub.OH > S.sub.--.sub.SH >
S.sub.--.sub.COOH NiO 1. At 200.degree. C.: S.sub.--SH >
S.sub.--.sub.OH > S.sub.--.sub.COOH > S.sub.--.sub.CHO >
S.sub.--.sub.NH2 2. At 300.degree. C.: S.sub.--SH >
S.sub.--.sub.COOH > S.sub.--.sub.NH2 > S.sub.--.sub.CHO >
S.sub.--.sub.OH 3. At 400.degree. C.: S.sub.--NH2 >
S.sub.--.sub.CHO > S.sub.--.sub.SH > S.sub.--.sub.OH >
S.sub.--.sub.COOH ZnO 1. At 200.degree. C.: S.sub.--NH2 >
S.sub.--.sub.OH > S.sub.--.sub.COOH > S.sub.--.sub.SH >
S.sub.--.sub.CNO 2. At 300.degree. C.: S.sub.--COOH >
S.sub.--.sub.OH > S.sub.--.sub.CHO > S.sub.--.sub.SH >
S.sub.--.sub.NH2 3. At 400.degree. C.: S.sub.--COOH >
S.sub.--.sub.CHO > S.sub.--.sub.OH > S.sub.--.sub.NH2 >
S.sub.--.sub.SH Co.sub.2O.sub.3 1. At 200.degree. C.: S.sub.--NH2
> S.sub.--.sub.OH > S.sub.--.sub.SH > S.sub.--.sub.CHO
> S.sub.--.sub.COOH 2. At 300.degree. C.: S.sub.--NH2 >
S.sub.--.sub.CHO > S.sub.--.sub.SH > S.sub.--.sub.COOH >
S.sub.--.sub.OH 3. At 400.degree. C.: S.sub.--SH >
S.sub.--.sub.NH2 > S.sub.--.sub.COOH > S.sub.--.sub.CHO >
S.sub.--.sub.OH
[0168] With respect to ZnO, the surface modification treatment can
be performed in the same manner. The effect of the surface
modification can be sufficiently obtained. However, in case of
using hexanol, it could not be said that sufficient surface
modification can be obtained in every case.
[0169] Therefore, the in-situ organic modification was carried out.
The experimental method was the same as in Examples 8 and 9.
Namely, the experimental reaction was carried out using a 5-cc
tubular autoclave (tube bomb reactor). Hydrogen peroxide was added
to 0.01 Mol/l of Zn(NO.sub.3).sub.2 aqueous solution to have an
amount of 0.1 Mol/l, the resulting mixture 2.5 g was charged in a
reactor tube, and hexanol 0.1 cc was further charged therein. The
reactor tube was put in a heating furnace preliminarily set to
200.degree. C., 300.degree. C. and 400.degree. C., and heated. The
pressure is 390 bar on the assumption of pure water. It took 1.5
min to raise the temperature. The reaction was carried out for 10
min, and the product was recovered. In case of using no hexanol,
the recovered product was in a state suspended in water and oil
phase, but the particles were transferred to the oil phase by the
surface modification using hexanol. Thus, a sufficient surface
modification effect is obtained.
[0170] Even if the surface modification cannot be sufficiently
performed on the particles generated once, sufficient surface
modification can be performed by the in-situ surface
modification.
[0171] The results of the same surface modification treatment of
nanoparticles of ZnO, CeO.sub.2, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, SnO.sub.2, and
SiO.sub.2 are collectively shown in Tables 6 and 7. Table 6
comparatively shows the result of surface modification of the fine
particles of each metal oxide, and Table 7 shows the result of the
in-situ modification thereof. In the tables, .smallcircle. shows
that transfer of particles to organic phase was recognized, and x
shows that transfer of particles to organic phase was not clearly
recognized. .DELTA. shows that the organic modification progressed
although it was insufficient.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 7 In-situ modification CeO.sub.2 OH CHO COOH
NH.sub.2 SH 200.degree. C. x .smallcircle. .smallcircle. x x
300.degree. C. x .smallcircle. .smallcircle. x x 400.degree. C. x
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. none OH CHO
COOH NH.sub.2 SH NiO 200.degree. C. .smallcircle. x .DELTA. .DELTA.
x .smallcircle. 300.degree. C. x x x .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. 400.degree. C. x x .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. TiO.sub.2 200.degree. C. x x
.smallcircle. x x x 300.degree. C. x x .smallcircle. 400.degree. C.
x x .smallcircle. .smallcircle. Co.sub.2O.sub.3 200.degree. C. x x
x x .smallcircle. .DELTA. 300.degree. C. x x x x .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. 400.degree. C. x x .DELTA. x .DELTA. .smallcircle.
ZnO 200.degree. C. x .smallcircle. x .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.DELTA. 300.degree. C. x .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. 400.degree. C. x .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. x .DELTA. Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 200.degree.
C. x x x .smallcircle. x x 300.degree. C. x .DELTA. .smallcircle. x
.DELTA. .smallcircle. 400.degree. C. x .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
x .smallcircle. .DELTA. CeO.sub.2 OH CHO COOH NH.sub.2 SH
200.degree. C. x .smallcircle. .smallcircle. x x 300.degree. C. x
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. x x 400.degree. C. x .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle. none OH CHO COOH NH.sub.2
SH NiO 200.degree. C. .smallcircle. x .DELTA. .DELTA. x
.smallcircle. 300.degree. C. x x x .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. 400.degree. C. x x .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. TiO.sub.2 200.degree. C. x x
.smallcircle. x x x 300.degree. C. x x .smallcircle. 400.degree. C.
x x .smallcircle. .smallcircle. Co.sub.2O.sub.3 200.degree. C. x x
x x .smallcircle. .DELTA. 300.degree. C. x x x x .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. 400.degree. C. x x .DELTA. x .DELTA. .smallcircle.
ZnO 200.degree. C. x .smallcircle. x .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.DELTA. 300.degree. C. x .smallcircle. .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. 400.degree. C. x .smallcircle.
.smallcircle. .smallcircle. x .DELTA. Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 200.degree.
C. x x x .smallcircle. x x 300.degree. C. x .DELTA. .smallcircle. x
.DELTA. .smallcircle. 400.degree. C. x .smallcircle. .smallcircle.
x .smallcircle. .DELTA.
[0172] As is apparent from the comparison of Tables 1-7, the same
in-situ surface modification effect is obtained in ZnO, CeO.sub.2,
TiO.sub.2 and the like.
Example 14
[In-Situ Organic Modification in High-Temperature, High-Pressure
Hydrothermal Synthesis (6)]
[0173] According to the same manner as in Examples 8 and 9,
syntheses of Fe.sub.2O.sub.3, Co.sub.2O.sub.3, NiO, ZnO, and
TiO.sub.2 were carried out in the coexistence of hexanol, hexanoic
acid, hexylamine, hexanal, and hexane thiol. The results are
collectively shown in Table 7. Based on the case of using no
surface modifying agent, the magnitude of the surface modification
effect is expressed by indexes of 1-10.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 8 --OH --CHO --COOH --NH.sub.2 --SH TiO.sub.2
200.degree. C. 6 6 1 1 8 300.degree. C. 8 5 4 3 9 400.degree. C. 9
8 7 6 10 NiO 200.degree. C. 6 1 1 2 1 300.degree. C. 5 4 5 7 7
400.degree. C. 7 10 10 10 8 ZnO 200.degree. C. 3 3 3 3 3
300.degree. C. 6 10 8 4 5 400.degree. C. 7 9 9 5 6 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3
200.degree. C. 4 6 8 6 6 300.degree. C. 7 7 7 7 10 400.degree. C. 9
8 6 9 7 Co.sub.2O.sub.3 200.degree. C. 2 2 6 7 8 300.degree. C. 2 7
7 7 9 400.degree. C. 2 9 8 6 10
[0174] It was found from the table that the degree of progress of
the surface modification reaction is varied depending on not only
the temperature but also the reactant. This reason is that even if
no surface modification is performed, some reactants can be
dispersed in water while sufficiently retaining hydrophilic groups
as ZnO and NiO, while some reactants can be dispersed in oil phase
with minimized hydrophobic groups as TiO.sub.2, and the stability
or reactivity of the functional group on the particle surface is
thus varied even if the in-situ surface modification is performed
in a particle generating field. In case of modification with
aldehyde or modification with amine, surface modification can be
obtained more satisfactorily at 300.degree. C. than at 400.degree.
C. This is resulted from that a hydrolysis reaction is caused in a
high-temperature field. Namely, the optimum condition is
300-400.degree. C., and an excessively high temperature conceivably
causes the influence of the reverse reaction.
[0175] The present invention provides organically modified fine
particles (particularly, nanoparticles) having hydrocarbon strongly
bonded with the surface of fine particles, particularly,
organically modified metal oxide fine particles, a process for
producing the same, and further a method for recovering or
collecting fine particles such as nanoparticles, with an intention
to promote the use of nanoparticles showing various unique
excellent properties, characteristics and functions as industrial
materials and pharmaceutical and cosmetic materials such as ceramic
nano-structure modified material, optical functional coating
material, electromagnetic shielding material, secondary battery
material, fluorescent material, electronic part material, magnetic
recording material, and abrasive material.
[0176] It will be obvious that the present invention can be
executed beyond the above-mentioned description and examples. In
view of the above-mentioned teaching, a lot of alterations and
modifications of the present invention can be made, and such
alterations and modifications are therefore intended to be embraced
by the appended claims.
* * * * *