Publication Date
Spring 2016
Advisor(s) - Committee Chair
Dr. Hemali Rathnayake (Director), Edwin Stevens, and Moon-Soo Kim
Degree Program
Department of Chemistry
Degree Type
Master of Science
Abstract
Self-assembly of colloidal microparticles is one of the strategies for making characteristic patterns. These versatile self-assemblies provide a route to elevate the efficiency of an electronic device. Silsesquioxane particles with various functionalities were synthesized by a modified Stöber condensation method. This thesis describes the synthesis of benzylchloride silsesquioxanes, benzylchloride-amine silsesquioxanes and amine-functionalized silsesquioxane particles with multi-fluorescent tags. The size and morphology of the particles were controlled by varying the concentration of base and anhydrous ethanol (solvent). The size distribution of particles was controlled by adjusting the molar ratios of organotrialkoxy silane, base, and ethanol concentrations. Through selective post-functionalization with fused arenes of anthracene and rhodamine, multifluorescent particles were obtained. Morphologies and optical properties of particles were characterized by TEM, SEM, fluorescence optical microscopy, and absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. The composition of silsesquioxanes was confirmed by FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis. A versatile technique was developed for the self-assembly of particles on different polymer substrates by changing the colloidal suspension concentration and the polymer substrate.
Disciplines
Chemistry | Materials Chemistry
Recommended Citation
Neerudu Sreeramulu, Niharika, "Colloidal Self-Assembly of Multi-fluorescent Silsesquioxane Microparticles" (2016). Masters Theses & Specialist Projects. Paper 1607.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1607