SiO2 Matrix Research Articles

Modification of the Crystalline Structure of ZnO Nanoparticles Embedded Within a SiO2 Matrix due to Thermal Stress Effects

Self-assembled nanocrystals of ZnO were embedded within a SiO2 matrix by a sequential deposit using reactive R.F. sputtering. The ZnO nanoparticles (NP’s) were obtained by depositing a very thin layer (~20 nm) of Zn on the bottom of the valleys of a first SiO2 rough surface and then covered by another SiO2 layer at 500 oC. The stress produced, due to the cooling process, by the SiO2 matrix on the ZnO NP’s generates an unusual crystalline phase of ZnO. The crystal structure was determined by means of X ray diffraction patterns. The ZnO + SiO2 composite shows a transmittance higher than 80 % for wavelengths > 450 nm. Optical absorption allows to reveal the character and value of the optical band gap. Vibrational modes of the material were determined by Raman spectroscopy.

Highly active and noble-metal-alternative hydrogenation catalysts prepared by dealloying Ni-Si intermetallic compounds.

Noble-metal-alternative Ni-Si catalysts more active than Pd in the hydrogen storage reaction were developed using a unique procedure, i.e., surface dealloying with hydrofluoric acid treatment. The combination of the structural analysis and the DFT calculation revealed a specific active site structure, a Ni cluster embedded in a SiO2 matrix, and its unprecedented role in the molecular conversion.

Characterization of microstructural and optical CoFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> ferrite nanocomposite for photodegradation of methylene blue

In this research, the CoFe2O4 and CoFe2O4/SiO2 nanocomposites have been synthesized using the co-precipitation method, and the microstructural properties of the samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction methods (XRD). The photodegradation activity of methylene blue for both nanocomposites were also investigated. The XRD pattern of CoFe2O4/SiO2 nanocomposites revealed that the sample was polycrystalline and had a spinel crystal structure with group space of Fd3m. The size of crystallite nanoparticle is 29.4 ± 0.2 nm for CoFe2O4/SiO2 and 26.8 ± 0.2 nm for CoFe2O4. The CoFe2O4/SiO2 nanocomposites have smaller optical band gap compared to bare CoFe2O4 due to smaller surface defect and larger particles size. The CoFe2O4/SiO2 nanocomposites showed a more energetic photodegradation activity of methylene blue than CoFe2O4. The encapsulation of the SiO2 matrix on the surface CoFe2O4 nanoparticles enhances the photodegradation activity. Based on the result, nanocomposites CoFe2O4/SiO2 and CoFe2O4 are prospective as nano-photocatalyst and nano-adsorbent for organic pollutants.

Transformation of molecular compounds with Ba(Sr)/Al/Si and Ca(Sr, Ba)/Ti(Zr, Hf)/Si heteroelements as new efficient route to metal silicate materials.

Silicon-based moieties were anchored in heterometallic alkoxide platforms to obtain molecular clusters based on the M-O-M'-O-Si motif for the generation of mixed-metal silicate materials. Single-source molecular precursors with structures [M{(μ-ddbfo)2Al(OSiPh3)2}2], where dbbfoH = 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethylbenzofuran-7-ol and M = Ba (1), Sr (2), [Sr4Ti2(μ6-O)(μ3,η2-OCH2CH2OMe)8(η-OCH2CH2OMe)2(OSiPh3)4] (3), [Sr4M'2(μ4-OH)(μ3,η2-OCH2CH2OMe)4(μ,η2-OCH2CH2OMe)6(μ-X)(OSiPh3)4] (4, with M' = Zr and X = Cl; 5 with M' = Hf and X = OH), [Sr3Hf2(μ5-O)(μ3,η2-OCH2CH2OMe)4(OCH2CH2OMe)4(OSiPh3)4] (6), and [Ca2M'2(μ3-OH)2(μ,η2-OCH2CH2OMe)4(η2-HOCH2CH2OMe)2(η-OCH2CH2OMe)2(OSiPh3)4] for M' = Zr (7), Hf (8), were prepared by substitution of methyl groups, using Ph3SiOH or chloride atoms with KOSiPh3, in [M{(μ-ddbfo)2AlMe2}2] (M = Sr, Ba) or [M4M'2(μ6-O)(μ3,η2-OCH2CH2OMe)8(OCH2CH2OMe)2(HOCH2CH2OMe)xCl4] (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, M' = Ti, Zr, Hf and x = 0, 4). The precursors were characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray structural analysis. Thermal decomposition of compounds 1-8 at 1000 °C led to formation of ceramic materials that consisted of mixed-metal oxide nanocrystallites embedded in an amorphous SiO2 matrix. Compounds 1 and 2 decomposed to BaAl2Si2O8 and SrAl2Si2O8 aluminosilicates, 4 gave a mixture of SrSiO3, ZrO2, SrZrO3 and Sr7ZrSi6O21, 5 and 6 gave mixtures of various compounds, including SrHfO3, Hf0.96Si0.04O2, and SiO2, 7 lead to CaZrO3, ZrO2 and Ca3ZrSi2O9 and 8 gave a HfO2, Ca2HfSi4O12 and SiO2 phase. The thermolysis of compound 3 gave SiO2 particles of average size 40-90 nm, which contained spherical SrTiO3, SrSiO3 and Sr2TiSi2O8 nanocrystallites of diameter 5-16 nm.

Hydrogenated Nano-Crystalline Silicon Thin Films in SiO2 Matrix for Next Generation Solar Cells Using Glow Discharged Decomposition

Hydrogenated Nanocrystalline Silicon (nc-Si:H) thin films using SiH4/H2 mixture by glow discharged decomposition were investigated on c-Si and glass substrates. The effects of substrate temperature on the Structural, Optical and Electrical properties of the films were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, FT/IR, Optical transmission and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Substrate temperatures ([TSB]) of the films were changed from 100oC to 250oC. It has been revealed the strong dependence on the film’s properties with the substrate temperatures. XRD and Raman measurements were shown that the higher substrate temperature (250oC) exhibits the highest crystalline volume fraction ([ρ] = 95%) and the lowest crystalline size ([Ω] = 3.5 nm) as well, having the highest H-content and the lowest O-content. At 250oC, the lowest mobility and the highest resistivity were also found to be ~37.5 cm2/v.s and 7.35 Ω-cm. Refractive index and the optical energy gap (Eg) were estimated by 3.8 and 1.9 eV having the growth rate of 4.2 nm/min. At 250oC, it was resulted in a blue shift of the absorption edge having uniform grain distributions. Results indicate that in situ hydrogen cleaning effects is prominent and localized orderly high density Si-Si bonds are exhibiting quantum size effects at highest substrate temperature.

Development of high temperature material for cellular ceramic regenerative storage heater

Ceramic Regenerative Storage Heater (RSH) is the preferable solution to provide clean hot air in Hypersonic Wind Tunnel (HWT) and Scramjet Test facilities to prevent the liquefaction of air during expansion in the high Mach number nozzles. Selection of the heater storage material for such operational requirements is a challenging task. As per the theoretical background; alumina, zirconia or mullite compositions have the capability to withstand at such high operating conditions. In the current study, a series of experiments were carried out to estimate the thermal characteristics of the material. This paper highlights the simplified approach by combining theoretical and experimental methods for economic (reduced time and cost) selection process of high temperature material. The desired material must possess good thermal shock resistance and low dust generation characteristics. Al2O3 and SiO2 based matrix composition fused in a transcrystalline phase exhibits significant improvement on the overall material integrity. Several Al2O3 and SiO2 matrix compositions were examined and the final matrix composite ratio of 90% of Al2O3 and 10% of SiO2 is considered as the desired candidate material. The ceramic matrix was sintered at a temperature of 2123 K, under the specific pressure of 1400 kg/cm2 for a period of 2 h, at a heating rate of 3.5 °C/min. The results of the thermal shock tests on various samples are presented. To improve the anti-dust characteristics, the final samples were coated with fine particles (5 µm) of Al2O3 and SiO2 matrix. Based on the experimental evaluation, Al2O3 and SiO2 fused matrix composition found to be meeting all the requirements of high temperature storage material.

Titanosilicate Derived SiO2/TiO2@C Nanosheets with Highly Distributed TiO2 Nanoparticles in SiO2 Matrix as Robust Lithium Ion Battery Anode.

Carbon-coated SiO2/TiO2 (SiO2/TiO2@C) nanosheets consisting of TiO2 nanoparticles uniformly embedded in SiO2 matrix and a carbon-coating layer are fabricated by using acidified titanosilicate JDF-L1 nanosheets as template and precursor. SiO2/TiO2@C has unique structural features of sheetlike nanostructure, ultrafine TiO2 nanoparticles distributed in SiO2 matrix, and carbon coating, which can expedite ion diffusion and electron transfer and relieve volume expansion efficiently, and thus, the synergetic combination of these advantages significantly enhances its Li storage capability. As anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), SiO2/TiO2@C nanosheets exhibit a high capacity of 998 mAh g-1 at 100 mA g-1 after 100 cycles. Moreover, an ultrahigh capacity of 410 mAh g-1 retains at 2000 mA g-1 after 400 cycles. A mixed reaction mechanism of capacitance and diffusion-controlled intercalation is revealed by qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Tribological Behavior of Copper⁻Graphite Composites Reinforced with Cu-Coated or Uncoated SiO₂ Particles.

Copper–graphite composites reinforced with SiO2 particles were fabricated by powder metallurgy technique. Electroless copper plating was introduced to improve the interfacial bonding between SiO2 particles and copper matrix. The microstructure, density, and hardness of the composites were characterized. The tribological properties, such as friction coefficient and wear rate of the composites, were studied using a pin-on-ring tribometer. The results show that the hard SiO2 can restrict the severe plastic deformation and adhesion contact in the process of wear. At the same time, parts of SiO2 particles can be broken into fine particles during wear process, which is helpful for decreasing adhesion wear and abrasive wear. Therefore, the addition of SiO2 leads to increasing friction stability and friction coefficient, and decreasing wear rate. In addition, the electroless copper plating improves the interfacial bonding between SiO2 and copper matrix, which prevents separation of SiO2 from copper matrix and further increase tribological properties of the composites.

SBA15-Fluconazole as a Protective Approach Against Mild Steel Corrosion: Synthesis, Characterization, and Computational Studies.

A SBA15–Fluconazole composite (SBA15‐Flu) was prepared to formulate a self‐healing coating for mild steel. The composite was obtained by dispersing SBA15 in a methanolic solution containing Fluconazole (Flu). The materials were characterized by using different techniques. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used for protective behavior evaluation of the coatings on mild steel substrates in an electrolytic solution prepared from sodium chloride and ammonium sulfate. The EIS results indicate that the inhibitor trapped in the SiO2 matrix is released when it comes into contact the aggressive solution, thus protecting the metal. To understand the inhibitor release mechanism, docking studies were used to model the SBA15‐Flu complex, which allowed us to further determine polar and non‐polar contributions to the binding free energy. An analysis of the electron density within the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and the non‐covalent interaction index frameworks were also carried out for the most favorable models of SBA15‐Flu. The results indicate that the liberation rate of the Flu molecules is mainly determined by the formation of strong O−H⋅⋅⋅O, O−H⋅⋅⋅N, and O−H⋅⋅⋅F hydrogen bonds.

Solid Deep Ultraviolet Diffracting Inverse Opal Photonic Crystals

We fabricated the first solid, mechanically robust inverse opal photonic crystals that diffract in the deep ultraviolet (UV) spectral region. These photonic crystals are fabricated by self-assembling <140 nm diameter monodisperse polystyrene nanoparticles into face centered cubic 3D close-packed structures on fused silica microscope slides in the presence of tetraethyl orthosilicate via a vertical deposition method. Tetraethyl orthosilicate condenses in the nanoparticle interstices during self-assembly, immobilizing the polystyrene nanoparticles in an SiO2 matrix. Removal of the polystyrene nanoparticles using piranha solution yields a stable SiO2 inverse opal structure that Bragg diffracts in the deep UV at <245 nm. We measured the UV–vis transmission, diffraction of a collimated deep UV white light source, and diffraction of 229 nm laser light in order to characterize the deep UV optical performance of these photonic crystals. We measured a maximum light attenuation of ∼98% at the Bragg condition, calcu...

Site-controlled formation of single Si nanocrystals in a buried SiO2 matrix using ion beam mixing.

For future nanoelectronic devices – such as room-temperature single electron transistors – the site-controlled formation of single Si nanocrystals (NCs) is a crucial prerequisite. Here, we report an approach to fabricate single Si NCs via medium-energy Si+ or Ne+ ion beam mixing of Si into a buried SiO2 layer followed by thermally activated phase separation. Binary collision approximation and kinetic Monte Carlo methods are conducted to gain atomistic insight into the influence of relevant experimental parameters on the Si NC formation process. Energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy is performed to obtain quantitative values on the Si NC size and distribution in dependence of the layer stack geometry, ion fluence and thermal budget. Employing a focused Ne+ beam from a helium ion microscope, we demonstrate site-controlled self-assembly of single Si NCs. Line irradiation with a fluence of 3000 Ne+/nm2 and a line width of 4 nm leads to the formation of a chain of Si NCs, and a single NC with 2.2 nm diameter is subsequently isolated and visualized in a few nanometer thin lamella prepared by a focused ion beam (FIB). The Si NC is centered between the SiO2 layers and perpendicular to the incident Ne+ beam.

Ultrastable Luminescent Organic-Inorganic Perovskite Quantum Dots via Surface Engineering: Coordination of Methylammonium Bromide and Covalent Silica Encapsulation.

Encapsulation of luminescent perovskite quantum dots (QDs) into a solid matrix has been approved to be an efficient way to improve their stability. In this work, we reported a green encapsulation method to produce ultrastable CH3NH3PbBr3 QDs incorporated into the SiO2 matrix. Specifically, fresh-prepared CH3NH3PbBr3 QDs were covalently embedded into silica by an aqueous sol-gel method assisted with CH3NH3Br, which not only effectively inhibited the water-driven degradation of QDs through surface coordination, but also strongly stabilized the QDs in solid powder via concentration gradient. As far as we know, this silica encapsulation of perovskite QDs in aqueous environments is reported for the first time. Luminescent properties of perovskite QDs during the course of gelation as well as in resulting composite powder were investigated using steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopies, and a 2 wt % QD-doped sample treated with 11.5 mM of CH3NH3Br was demonstrated to be the optimal phosphor. The green-emissive phosphor had a PLQY of 60.3% and a full width at half maxima of ∼25 nm, exhibiting ultrahigh stability tested by cycle heating (120 °C), continuous heating (80 °C, 60 h), and light irradiation (450 nm light, 350 h). The phosphor was readily blended with polymers and applied as a color-converting layer on blue light-emitting diodes.

Stress Evolution during Ge Nanoparticles Growth in a SiO2 Matrix.

Superstructures are explored that were obtained by multilayer magnetron deposition at room temperature of 20 SiO2 and SiO2:Ge bilayers, each 2 × 4 nm thick, and subsequently annealed in inert N2 atmosphere at different temperatures in the range of 500-750 °C. The structural and optical changes induced by annealing and the formation and growth of Ge nanoparticles (nps) from early clusters to their full growth and final dissolution were studied by the simultaneous grazing-incidence small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and (time-resolved) photoluminescence (PL). It is shown that in as-deposited multilayers aggregation of small clusters already occurred, and the clusters were reasonably well intercorrelated in the lateral plane. During annealing at Ta = 550 °C or higher temperatures, Ge nps start to form and remain partly amorphous at lower Ta but crystallize completely at about 600 °C. At even higher temperatures, the Ge nps dissolve and Ge diffuses out almost completely, leaving voids in the SiO2 matrix. Visible PL from the samples was detected and attributed to defects in the nps/matrix interface layers rather than to the nps itself because PL persisted even after Ge nps dissolution.

Drug Release of Hybrid Materials Containing Fe(II)Citrate Synthesized by Sol-Gel Technique.

The use of oral iron integration is commonly recommended for the treatment of iron deficiency, nevertheless the diagnosis and treatment of this disease could clearly be improved. The aim of this work was the synthesis of therapeutic systems, iron (II) based, by sol-gel method. In an SiO2 matrix, we embedded different weight percentages of polyethylene glycol (PEG6, 12, 24 wt%) and ferrous citrate (Fe(II)C5, 10, 15 wt%) for drug delivery applications. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to study the interactions among different components in the hybrid materials. Release kinetics in a simulated body fluid (SBF) were investigated and the amount of Fe2+ released was detected by Ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) after reaction with ortho-phenantroline. Furthermore, the biological characterization was carried out. The bioactivity of the synthesized hybrid materials was evaluated by the formation of a layer of hydroxyapatite on the surface of samples soaked in SBF using FTIR spectroscopy. Finally, also, the potential antibacterial properties of the different materials against two different bacteria, E. coli and P. aeruginosa, were investigated.

Influence of gelation step for preparing PEG–SiO2 shape-stabilized phase change materials by sol–gel method

An in situ shape-stabilized phase change material (ssPCM) from polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been produced by sol–gel method. The inorganic matrix was in situ formed from tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), controlling the condensation rate in a second alkaline step using NaOH. ssPCMs having a latent heat up to 113.8 J/g were synthetized using a sol with a molar ratio H2O:EtOH:H2SO4:PEG1000:TEOS of 2:0.34:0.021:0.50:1 and an equivalent ratio NaOH/H2SO4 of 1.15 for promoting the gel step. The presence of high-density hydrogen bonds between silanol groups and the ether oxygen atoms of PEG and the existence of latent heat allowed to confirm that the PEG worked in two ways. It either forms the PEG–SiO2 matrix or adsorbs onto the surface of the previous polymeric matrix, losing or conserving its latent heat, respectively. The addition of NaOH allowed to change the functionality of the silicon matrix which strongly affected the water content, the thermal stability, and the amount of active PEG in the ssPCMs, leading to an optimal neutralization condition when an equivalent ratio NaOH/H2SO4 of 1.15 was used. The obtained ssPCM has an appropriate range of operative temperatures, a high latent heat in the range of common thermoregulating materials, and a proper thermal reliability.

Enhanced photoconductivity of SiGe nanocrystals in SiO2 driven by mild annealing

Photosensitive films based on finely dispersed semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) in dielectric films have great potential for sensor applications. Here we report on preparation and characterization of photosensitive Si1-xGex NCs sandwiched between SiO2 matrix. A radio-frequency magnetron sputtering was applied to obtain a multilayer-structures (MLs) by depositing SiO2/SiGe/SiO2 films on Si (0 0 1) substrate. The Si1-xGex NCs were formed by a post-deposition annealing at 100–700 °C for 1–5 min. The effect of annealing temperature and time on MLs morphology and NCs size and density was studied using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and measurements of spectral distribution of photocurrent. It is demonstrated how the photoconductive properties of the MLs can be enhanced and tailored by controlling the NCs formation conditions and the presence of stress field in MLs and defects acting as traps and recombination centers. All these features can be adjusted/controlled by altering the annealing conditions (temperature and time). The MLs photosensitivity was increased of more than an order of magnitude by the annealing process. A mechanism, where a competition between crystallization process (NCs formation and evolution i.e. size and shapes) and stress field appearance determines the peak position in the photocurrent spectra, was identified.

Effect of Silica Fume as a Component of Alternative Binder on the Selected Technically Important Characteristics of Bio-Aggregate-Based Composites.

This experimental study was focused on the application of an alternative binder based on MgO, and the variation of its components by the combination of two MgO products obtained by the calcinations of natural magnesite, siliceous materials (river sand and silica fume), and alkaline admixture in the mixture for a preparation of composite based on biomass waste such as hemp hurds as organic filler. This paper presents the results of the effect of an MgO binder composition on the compressive strength of the bio-aggregate-based composites. Other physical properties, such as the bulk density, thermal conductivity coefficient, and water absorption, were also investigated. The measured strength parameters of the bio-composite samples that were hardened for 28 days demonstrate that the binder consisting of optimal calcined MgO and silica fume as a total replacement for sand ensures a good binding of the matrix with hemp hurd compared to other varied compositions of alternative binder. No significant differences in bulk density and thermal conductivity values were found for these composites. However, the bio-composite specimen with an MgO–SiO2 matrix had the highest compressive strength and achieved the lowest value of water absorption. An increase in hardening time of up to 90 days led to a significant improvement of strength as well as reduction in permeability.

Ultrastrong Translucent Glass Ceramic with Nanocrystalline, Biomimetic Structure.

Transparent/translucent glass ceramics (GCs) have broad applications in biomedicine, armor, energy, and constructions. However, GCs with improved optical properties typically suffer from impaired mechanical properties, compared to traditional sintered full-ceramics. We present a method of obtaining high-strength, translucent GCs by preparing ZrO2-SiO2 nanocrystalline glass ceramics (NCGCs) with a microstructure of monocrystalline ZrO2 nanoparticles (NPs), embedded in an amorphous SiO2 matrix. The ZrO2-SiO2 NCGC with a composition of 65%ZrO/35%SiO2 (molar ratio, 65Zr) achieved an average flexural strength of 1 GPa. This is one of the highest flexural strength values ever reported for GCs. ZrO2 NPs bond strongly with SiO2 matrix due to the formation of a thin (2-3 nm) amorphous Zr/Si interfacial layer between the ZrO2 NPs and SiO2 matrix. The diffusion of Si atoms into the ZrO2 NPs forms a Zr-O-Si superlattice. Electron tomography results show that some of the ZrO2 NPs are connected in one direction, forming in situ ZrO2 nanofibers (with length of ∼500 nm), and that the ZrO2 nanofibers are stacked in an ordered way in all three dimensions. The nanoarchitecture of the ZrO2 nanofibers mimics the architecture of mineralized collagen fibril in cortical bone. Strong interface bonding enables efficient load transfer from the SiO2 matrix to the 3D nanoarchitecture built by ZrO2 nanofibers and NPs, and the 3D nanoarchitecture carries the majority of the external load. These two factors synergistically contribute to the high strength of the 65Zr NCGC. This study deepens our fundamental understanding of the microstructure-mechanical strength relationship, which could guide the design and manufacture of other high-strength, translucent GCs.

Mössbauer Spectroscopy Study of the Superparamagnetism of Ultrasmall ϵ-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles

The superparamagnetism of an ensemble of ϵ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with a mean size of 3.9 nm dispersed in a xerogel SiO2 matrix is studied by the Mossbauer spectroscopy method. It is shown that most nanoparticles at room temperature are in the superparamagnetic (unblocked) state. As the temperature decreases, the progressive blocking of the magnetic moments of the particles occurs, which is manifested in the Mossbauer spectra as the transformation of the quadrupole doublet into a Zeeman sextet. The analysis of the relative intensity of the superparamagnetic (quadrupole doublet) and magnetically split (sextets) spectral components in the range of 4–300 K provides the particle size distribution, which is in agreement with the transmission electron microscopy data. The values of the effective magnetic anisotropy constants (Keff) are determined, and the contribution of surface anisotropy (KS) is estimated for particles of various sizes. It is shown that the quantity Keff is inversely proportional to the particle size, which indicates the significant contribution of the surface to the magnetic state of the ϵ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with the size of several nanometers.

Covalent hybrid of graphene and silicon dioxide and reinforcing effect in rubber composites

For developing high performance graphene and silicon dioxide (SiO2)-based green rubber nanocomposites, dispersal of graphene nanosheets and SiO2 particles in rubber hosts and precise interface control are challenging due to their strong interlayer cohesive energy and surface inertia of graphene and the poor interaction with the organic matrix of SiO2. Here we report an efficient method to hybrid graphene nanosheets and SiO2 paticles. The SiO2 molecules were covalently bonded to the graphene surface via functionalized graphene, using plant polyphenol tannic acid (TA) as stabilizer and functional reagent, followed by further covalent derivatization through the Michael addition reaction between phenolic hydroxyl group on TA and primary amine on silane coupling agents modified SiO2. Through covalent hybridization, the SiO2 particles are uniformly decorated on the surface of graphene. The improved dispersion state of hybrid filler was attested by XRD, TEM and FTIR. SEM, DMA, mechanical analysis, thermal conductivity measurements and applied to characterize the hybrid nanocomposites. The results imply that the strategy of using hybrid fillers with covalent interactions has been established to be an efficient way to achieve high-performance rubber nanocomposites. The prominent confinement effect arising from nanosheets resulted in nearly 7.0% increase in the thermal conductivity of the highly synergistic hybridization graphene-SiO2 nanocomposites than that of the composite of graphene and SiO2 mixtures. The former possesses 45.4% increase in tensile strength and 32.6% in tear strength and 35.4% in compression set. The covalent hybridization nanocomposites exhibit excellent abrasive resistant capacity with nearly 36.6% increase than that of the composite of graphene and SiO2 mixtures. These results suggest that SiO2 and graphene covalent hybrid fillers have a high potential to be used in engineering composits.