Orthosicilic acid is the most common precursor of gel synthesis. Research is performed on the different gelation mechanisms with dendritic polymers. In this context metal nanoparticles well known for their catalytic properties were initially formed into the dendritic cavities. Then, combined silica hydrogels are produced from these hybrid nanocomposites. They are applied to metal surfaces with artificial porosity induced by thermal spraying and their potential for applications as coatings to catalytic reactors is investigated. The optimization of gels composition for each specific application is performed by dynamic light scattering spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, ζ-potential, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).

Relevant Publications

1. Arkas, M., Anastopoulos, I., Giannakoudakis, D. A., Pashalidis, I., Katsika, T., Nikoli, E., ... & Douloudi, M. (2022). Catalytic Neutralization of water pollutants mediated by dendritic polymers. Nanomaterials, 12(3), 445.
2. Arkas, M., Douloudi, M., Nikoli, E., Karountzou, G., Kitsou, I., Kavetsou, E., ... & Papageorgiou, M. (2022). Investigation of two bioinspired reaction mechanisms for the optimization of nano catalysts generated from hyperbranched polymer matrices. Reactive and Functional Polymers, 174, 105238.
3. Arkas, M., Douloudi, M., Nikoli, E., Karountzou, G., Kitsou, I., Kavetsou, E., ... & Papageorgiou, M. (2022). Additional data on the investigation of the reaction mechanisms for the production of silica hyperbranched polyethylene imine silver nanoparticle composites. Data in Brief, 43, 108374.