Application of fractional factorial design for green synthesis of cyano-modified silica nanoparticles: Chemometrics and multifarious response optimization

Abstract

Cyano-functionalized spherical silica nanoparticles (SNPs) were synthesized via Stöber method. A 2 k-pIV–fractional factorial design (2k-pIV–FFD) was used to smartly prepare monodispersed evenly distributed SNPs. Six factors were considered; concentrations of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), 3-Cyanopropyltriethoxysilane (CPTS), water, and ammonia, reaction time (RT) and stirring time (ST). Two responses; particle size (PS, measured by SEM) and particle-size distribution (PSD, calculated as standard deviation, ±SD) were measured. Control charts were used to decide on impacts of linear and two-way interactions on both responses. Derringer’s function was used to consolidate these multifarious responses into a uniform execution characteristic. Both screening and optimization were always accompanied by ANOVA testing at a 95.0% confidence interval (CI). The ideal synthetic conditions were obtained from the composite desirability plots. Cyano-functionalized SNPs with an average PS of 474.04 ± 86.71 nm were produced. Raman spectroscopy and FTIR were used to confirm the functionalization process. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to evaluate the thermal behavior of synthesized particles.