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Transmission Electron Microscopy Characterization and Application of Sol-Gel Membranes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2003

Yizhu Guo
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 23346, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931-3346
Sandra Gonzalez
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 23346, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931-3346
Ana R. Guadalupe
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 23346, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931-3346
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Abstract

Abstract: Using standard square mesh grids as supports, we have prepared sol-gel membranes from a functionalized silane precursor, bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasulfide in various organic solvents. These mesh-supported membranes allow direct characterization of their microstructure and morphology by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Homogeneous membranes without prominent microstructural features (or featureless) at nanometer scale were obtained from dimethyl formamide (DMF), isopropanol, and butanol solutions. However, highly porous membranes were produced from DMF and ethylene glycol binary system. Heterogeneous membranes filled with nanoparticles were formed from dimethyl sulfoxide solution. The featureless sol-gel membranes with tunable performances provide a useful alternative as supporting films for TEM applications.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2001 Cambridge University Press

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