Abstract
Nowadays, Janus nanoparticles have received a lot of attention in high-tech processes due to their special ability of simultaneous hydrophilicity and oleophilicity. In this study, a new synthesis method for Janus nanostructure using multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and silica nanoparticle is proposed. FTIR, TEM, EDX, XRD and TGA characterization tests were performed to check the properties of synthesized nanostructure. The simultaneous hydrophilicity and oleophilicity properties of the synthesized nanostructure was investigated by examining its placement at the interface of water and various organic materials (engine oil, chloroform and crude oil). Also, effect of weight ratios of nanotubes to silica (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%) on the degree of hydrophilicity and oleophilicity were investigated. The results of FTIR, XRD, EDX and TGA characterization tests effectively show the formation of nanotube-silica hybrid. Also, the FTIR test results confirm the hydrophilicity and oleophilicity of the synthesized nanostructure according to the absorption spectrum of carboxylic acid functional groups (hydrophilicity property) and alkane and alkene bonds related to oleic acid (oleophilicity property). In addition, TEM images clearly show the bonding of silica nanoparticle on the structure of MWCNTs. The average size of the synthesized crystal was estimated to be about 13 nm using XRD results, while with the help of TEM image analysis, the average particle size was estimated to be 14 nm. The physical presence of the synthesized nanostructure at the interface of water and various organic materials is a good confirmation of the dual nature of the synthesized nanostructure. The finer, more uniform and the largest amount of emulsion was formed at the nanotube to silica ratio of 20%, therefore Janus nanostructure has a better performance in this ratio.