Question

While attempting to make a silicon oxide surface hydrophobic using trimethoxyoctylsilane in methanol, the surface remains unclean after rinsing with ethanol and water. Two questions arise:

1.Will reducing the silanisation time from 24 hours to 5 minutes still result in a hydrophobic surface, as suggested by some sources?
2.What is an effective method to clean the silicon surface after silanisation, ensuring a clean and hydrophobic outcome?

a.A shorter silanisation time may compromise hydrophobicity, and a detailed cleaning protocol with a specific solvent is essential for achieving a clean, hydrophobic surface.
b.Reducing the silanisation time to 5 minutes is sufficient for a hydrophobic surface, and a simple rinse with ethanol guarantees a clean outcome.
c.Hydrophobicity is not significantly affected by silanisation time; however, thorough cleaning with a mixture of solvents is crucial for a clean surface.
d.A brief silanisation time can compromise hydrophobicity, and a systematic cleaning approach involving various solvents is necessary for an effective outcome.

Answer 1

Reducing the silanisation time may compromise hydrophobicity, and a detailed cleaning protocol with a specific solvent is essential for achieving a clean, hydrophobic surface.

Step-by-step explanation:

a. A shorter silanisation time may compromise hydrophobicity, and a detailed cleaning protocol with a specific solvent is essential for achieving a clean, hydrophobic surface.

The hydrophobicity of a silicon oxide surface treated with trimethoxyoctylsilane depends on the duration of silanisation.

Reducing the silanisation time from 24 hours to 5 minutes may not result in a hydrophobic surface as suggested by some sources.

It is important to note that the silanisation time can impact the effectiveness of the treatment, potentially compromising the hydrophobic properties of the surface.

Additionally, thorough cleaning with a specific solvent mixture is crucial for achieving a clean and hydrophobic outcome. Rinsing the surface with ethanol and water alone may not be sufficient.

A detailed cleaning protocol should be followed, involving a specific solvent or solvent mixture that effectively removes any contaminants or impurities from the surface, ensuring a clean and hydrophobic outcome.