Journal article
Surface Properties of Colloidal Quantum-Confined One-Dimensional Lepidocrocite Titanates: Insights into their Ion-Induced Gelation
Langmuir, v 41(37), pp 25176-25186
23 Sep 2025
PMID: 40928504
Abstract
The surfaces of 1D layered lepidocrocite-structured titanates (1DLs) are negatively charged due to an oxygen-to-titanium atomic ratio >2. This, and their layered structure, allow for facile ion exchange and high colloidal stability, demonstrated by ζ-potentials of ≈ −85 mV at their unadjusted pH of ≈10.4. This is nearly maintained across a 20 to 70 °C temperature range, with only a slight decrease in stability. The acid resistance of 1DL solids (little dissolution until pH 1) is demonstrated through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The Fourier transform infrared spectra of the dried 1DLs are also discussed. From a fundamental charge perspective, these materials offer an ion exchange capacity of ≈1.8 mmol/g, nearly twice that of highly charged clays or Nafion. As a Brønsted–Lowry base, they readily adsorb protons onto their heterogeneous surfaces, as illustrated by an isothermal adherence to the Freundlich model. 1DLs have two pK a values, one at pH ≈10.9 and the other at ≈3.2, and can be protonated to their point of zero charge (≈pH 6.8) before they destabilize. With the understanding of the acid/base properties of 1DLs, cation-stabilized hydrogel-like solids were formed using H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, and Fe3+. A gelation mechanism is proposed that relies on cation exchange being the driving force for water removal from between adjacent 1DLs. The rheological properties of the soft H3O+-cross-linked gel-like solids show a more than 1000-fold increase in the viscosity of the 1DL colloidal suspensions compared to before gelation.
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Details
- Title
- Surface Properties of Colloidal Quantum-Confined One-Dimensional Lepidocrocite Titanates: Insights into their Ion-Induced Gelation
- Creators
- Adam D. Walter - Department of Materials Science and EngineeringVanessa R. Morris - Department of Materials Science and EngineeringJacob M. Nantz - Department of Materials Science and EngineeringTimothy F. Niper - Rochester Institute of TechnologyLaura Galeano Tirado - Rochester Institute of TechnologyMary Qin Hassig - Department of Materials Science and EngineeringAbijah Gordon - Department of Materials Science and EngineeringTongjie Zhang - Drexel University, Chemical and Biological EngineeringAhmed M. H. Ibrahim - Department of Materials Science and EngineeringGregory R. Schwenk - Drexel University, Materials Science and EngineeringJairo A. Díaz A. - Department of Chemical EngineeringAndrew J. D. Magenau - Drexel University, Materials Science and EngineeringChristopher Y. Li - Drexel University, Materials Science and EngineeringMichel W. Barsoum (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Materials Science and Engineering
- Publication Details
- Langmuir, v 41(37), pp 25176-25186
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society
- Number of pages
- 11
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Materials Science and Engineering; Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001570528800001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105016610043
- Other Identifier
- 991022092655904721
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
- Chemistry, Physical
- Materials Science, Multidisciplinary