Template-directed synthesis of silica nanotubes for explosive detection

Adem Yildirim, Handan Acar, Turan S. Erkal, Mehmet Bayindir, Mustafa O. Guler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fluorescent porous organic-inorganic thin films are of interest of explosive detection because of their vapor phase fluorescence quenching property. In this work, we synthesized fluorescent silica nanotubes using a biomineralization process through self-assembled peptidic nanostructures. We designed and synthesized an amyloid-like peptide self-assembling into nanofibers to be used as a template for silica nanotube formation. The amine groups on the peptide nanofibrous system were used for nucleation of silica nanostructures. Silica nanotubes were used to prepare highly porous surfaces, and they were doped with a fluorescent dye by physical adsorption for explosive sensing. These porous surfaces exhibited fast, sensitive, and highly selective fluorescence quenching against nitro-explosive vapors. The materials developed in this work have vast potential in sensing applications due to enhanced surface area.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4159-4164
Number of pages6
JournalACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Volume3
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 26 2011
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Template-directed synthesis of silica nanotubes for explosive detection'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this