SILYLATION OF THE SILICA SURFACE A REVIEW

Silylated silica surfaces have found many applications in the field of analytical chemistry (HPLC, Ion Exchange Chromatography, Size Exclusi on Chromatography, GC), synthetic chemistry (heterogeneous catalysts, phase transfer catalysts), biochemistry (enzyme immobilization, affini ty chromatography) and industries (composites, high-tech materials, se miconductor devices). In all cases, the knowledge of their chemical co mposition and surface characteristics is of great importance for the u nderstanding and eventual improvement of their performance. This revie w presents a general description of the silica surface and a summary o f the different modification techniques that have been developped to s ilylate oxide surfaces. The chlorosilylation of the silica surface (in liquid and gaseous phase) and the modification with aminosilanes are discussed in more detail, emphasizing the analysis techniques and skil ls that enable researchers to get a more profound insight into the rea ction mechanisms and the nature and concentration of the created surfa ce groups.