Research and Application of Silane Coupling Agents on Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Surfaces

Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) have garnered significant attention due to their unique nanoscale properties, such as the small size effect, quantum size effect, and photocatalytic activity. These nanoparticles are widely applied in fields such as catalysis, environmental management, energy storage, and antimicrobial materials. However, unmodified MONPs often face challenges related to high surface energy, aggregation, and instability. To address these issues, silane coupling agents (SCAs) have been employed to modify MONPs, enhancing their stability, mechanical properties, and hydrophobicity. This paper examines the modification mechanisms of MONPs using SCAs, focusing on the structure and functionality of common agents such as APTES, GPTMS, and MPS. The advantages of these modified MONPs in various applications are explored, including their role in creating superhydrophobic surfaces, improving photocatalytic performance, and forming antimicrobial and self-cleaning composite materials. Despite the promising benefits, challenges in scaling up production, improving efficiency, and developing environmentally friendly silane agents remain. Future research should focus on addressing these limitations to fully realize the potential of SCA-modified MONPs in industrial and environmental applications.