Characterization of cellulose membranes modified with luminescent silicon quantum dots nanoparticles

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Campos, BB (Author) Other; Gelde, L (Author) Other; Algarra, M (Author) Other; Joaquim C G E Esteves da Silva (Author) FCUP; Vazquez, MI (Author) Other; Benavente, J (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Carbohydrate Polymers

Vol. 151

Pages: 939-946

ISSN: 0144-8617

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 11 Citations

Scopus - 11 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-KN1

DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.05.097

Abstract (EN): A highly hydrophilic planar membrane fabricated with regenerated cellulose (RC-4 membrane), a biocompatible polymer, was modified by inclusion of water-soluble silicon quantum dot nanoparticles (SiQDs). Both bare SiQDs and SiQDs coated with a PAMAM-OH dendrimer were employed in order to obtain luminescent and thermally stable membrane systems (RC-4/SiQDs and RC-4/SiQDs-PAMAM-OH membranes). Original and SiQDs-modified membranes were characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy (steady and confocal), derivative thermogravimetric analysis and impedance spectroscopy measurements. According to these results, both SiQDs-regenerated cellulose composite membranes present luminescent character as well as higher thermal resistance and conductivity than the original sample, although the dendrimer coverage of the SiQDs might partially shield such effects. Moreover, the permanence of SiQDs nanoparticles in the structure of the cellulosic support in aqueous environments and their effect on diffusive transport were determined by water uptake as well as by membrane potential measurements at different concentrations of a model electrolyte (KCl). These results demonstrate the possible use of these stable nano-engineered membranes, which are based on SiQDs nanoparticles, in electrochemical devices under flow conditions.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8