Interaction of (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane With Late ArN2 Afterglow: Application to Nanoparticles Synthesis

From results of in situ FTIR absorption and optical emission spectroscopy, the interaction of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) with late ArN2 afterglow is shown to occur mainly with N atoms. They react preferentially with carbon from CHx groups in the precursor, leading to the synthesis of CN bonds. No production of NH radical is observed, demonstrating the lack of direct reaction between active nitrogen and APTES. The NH2 group is not affected by the afterglow. One of the CC bonds of the propylamine group in the APTES is likely broken. These nanoparticles present secondary amides due to reactions with active nitrogen. They are amorphous and react in air to produce a salt.