Functionalization of nanodiamonds with perfluoropolyether peroxide via a facile thermochemical process

Nanodiamonds (ND) and fluorinated nanodiamonds (F-ND) were functionalized with perfluoropolyether (PFPE) peroxide through a thermal process. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were employed to confirm the successful functionalization. The quantification of PFPE moieties linked to the surface of nanodiamonds was performed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The hydrophobicity of the PFPE-functionalized NDs and F-NDs was evaluated through water contact angle measurements, demonstrating a significant increase compared to pristine materials, reaching even super-hydrophobicity in F-NDs. The preparation of these PFPE-functionalized materials contributes to a deeper understanding of their surface chemistry and highlights their potential use in applications requiring enhanced hydrophobicity or increased chemical resistance.