Surface modification and characterization of agglomerated metal oxide particles

Metal Oxide nanomaterials (MONMs) attracted enormous attention due to their unique physicochemical properties and are used in many applications including drugs, paints, biomedical devices and development of novel materials. The surface modification of namomaterials (NMs) is an important step to alter their behavior to further benefit from their unique properties in variety of applications. However, the main problem with them in order to work efficiently is their inefficient dispersion in aqueous environments. In this study, we aimed to understand the surface properties of these materials as we attempt to alter the surface chemistry. Surface coating of the NMs with oligonucleotides, carbohydrates and treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) help them to stabilize as mono-disperse particles in their colloidal suspensions. The characterization of modified MONMs was performed with Raman Spectroscopy, FTIR Spectroscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS).