The study of low-density silica generation, characterizations, catalytic activity, and hydrogen peroxide sensing applications

Abstract

Abstract In this study, low density silica nanoparticles (LDS) were produced utilizing the simplified stobber method with amino propyl tri ethoxy siliane (APTES) as an amine. The produced particles were calcined at 400°C to create low density particles. The produced particles were characterized using SEM, FTIR, DLS, and zeta potential analyses. The results confirmed that the particle size, charge, and density varied depending on the APTES concentration. The findings revealed that at lower APTES concentrations, small particles (70–75 nm) were formed, however at higher concentrations, larger particles (420–430 nm) were produced. The particle density varied according to APTES content; following calcination, the control sample had a density of 1.86 g/cm3, while the density of the APTES-added samples differed. UV absorption spectra showed substantial variations between 440 and 480 nm in APTES-added samples. Zeta potential tests showed that the greater concentration of APTES added sample was −10 mV, while the lower concentration was−26 mV. The catalytic activity was determined using crystal violet dye, and the kinetics were described. HRP-coated LDS was employed as a nanosensor to detect H2O2. Results showed linearity of 5×10−10  ~ 1×10−5 (M) (R2 = 0.995), and a detection limit of 5 nm mol. The milk was spiked with H2O2 in various concentrations and utilized as detections for the real sample analysis; the findings showed that the recovery rate was increased.