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At least 19 records

High-pressure Study of Silane to 150 GPa

We present an extensive study of the optical, electronic, and structural properties of silane (SiH{sub 4}) to 150 GPa through the use of Raman spectroscopy, optical microscopy, synchrotron infrared reflectivity, optical absorption, and synchrotron x-ray diffraction measurements. To mitigate possible contamination from previously reported metal hydride formation, we performed experiments using gold-lined sample gaskets, finding molecular silane remains in the transparent and insulating P2{sub 1}/c structure until {approx}40 GPa. Silane shows a partial loss of crystallinity above {approx}50 GPa and appears to visibly darken. The darkening is plausibly the result of a loss of molecular character with many enthalpically competitive pathways available, including decomposition, combined with the absorptive nature of the sample. Above 100 GPa we observed crystallization into structures partially consistent with the previously reported nonmolecular I4{sup -} 2d and I4{sub 1}/a types. In the absence of decomposition, silane remains partially transparent and nonmetallic to at least 150 GPa with a band gap constrained between 0.6 and 1.8 eV. Under pressure, silane is sensitive to irradiation from x-rays and lasers, and may easily decompose into metallic silicon. We suggest that previous reports of metallization starting from molecular SiH{sub 4} arise from decomposition, and superconductivity may originate from hydrogen-doped silicon. While silane may readily decompose, the inherent metastability provides access to a wide range of path- and sample-history-dependent states and suggests a unique range of physical properties for hydrogen-rich silicon alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Increased Stability Toward Oxygen Reduction Products for Lithium-Air Batteries with Oligoether-Functionalized Silane Electrolytes

The successful development of Li-air batteries would significantly increase the possibility of extending the range of electric vehicles. There is much evidence that typical organic carbonate based electrolytes used in lithium ion batteries form lithium carbonates from reaction with oxygen reduction products during discharge in lithium-air cells so more stable electrolytes need to be found. This combined experimental and computational study of an electrolyte based on a tri(ethylene glycol)-substituted trimethylsilane (1NM3) provides evidence that the ethers are more stable toward oxygen reduction discharge species. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and FTIR experiments show that only lithium oxides and no carbonates are formed when 1NM3 electrolyte is used. In contrast XPS shows that propylene carbonate (PC) in the same cell configuration decomposes to form lithium carbonates during discharge. Density functional calculations of probable decomposition reaction pathways involving solvated oxygen reduction species confirm that oligoether substituted silanes, as well as other ethers, are more stable to the oxygen reduction products than propylene carbonate. These results indicate that the choice of electrolyte plays a key role in the performance of Li-air batteries.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗

Morphology and water resistance of mixed silane films of bis[3-(triethoxysilyl) propyl]tetrasulfide and bis-[trimethoxysilylpropyl]amine

Functional organosilanes are powerful interface-active agents that find applications as adhesion promoters as well as optical, dielectric and protective coatings. Bis-silanes are of particular interest because they are highly crosslinked leading to very robust films. In almost all applications, the water resistance of the films is a critical performance measure. Here we use neutron reflectivity to address the effect of bridging group on the hydrothermal response of bis-silane films prepared using bis[3-(triethoxysilyl) propyl]tetrasulfide and bis-[trimethoxysilylpropyl]amine. Neat and mixed films are examined as-prepared, after exposure to water vapor and then in the re-dried state. The bridging group is the key factor that controls the morphology and water resistance of silane films. Although bis-sulfur silane is not as condensed as bis-amino silane, bis-sulfur swells less in water because of the hydrophobic nature of bridging group. The reflectivity of bis-sulfur silane film is reversible after room-temperature water conditioning but not at 80 C, indicating chemical alternation of the film at 80 C. The water resistance of mixed silane is roughly that of both components weighted by their volume fraction. But based on the enhanced shrinkage that occurs following water-vapor conditioning of the mixed film, condensation is accelerated in the mixed silane. Regarding the precursor solution, bis-amino silane may act as a catalyst in the hydrolysis of bis-sulfur silane leading to more silanols in the solution and further condensation in the film. Variation in the structure normal to the substrate is also examined by swelling the film with d-nitrobenzene, a non-reacting swelling agent.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Silane Modification of Glass and Silica Surfaces to Obtain Equally Oil-Wet Surfaces in Glass-Covered Silicon Micromodel Applications

The wettability of silicon and glass surfaces can be modified by silanization. However, similar treatments of glass and silica surfaces using the same silane do not necessarily yield the same wettability as determined by the oil-water contact angle. In this technical note, surface cleaning pretreatments were investigated to determine conditions that would yield oil-wet surfaces on glass with similar wettability to silica surfaces treated with the same silane, and both air-water and oil-water contact angles were determined. Air-water contact angles were less sensitive to differences between silanized silica and glass surfaces, often yielding similar values while the oil-water contact angles were quite different. Borosilicate glass surfaces cleaned with standard cleaning solution 1 (SC1) yield intermediate-wet surfaces when silanized with hexamethyldisilazane, while the same cleaning and silanization yields oil-wet surfaces on silica. However, cleaning glass in boiling concentrated nitric acid creates a surface that can be silanized to obtain oil-wet surfaces using HDMS. Moreover, this method is effective on glass with prior thermal treatment at an elevated temperature of 400oC. In this way, silica and glass can be silanized to obtain equally oil-wet surfaces using HMDS. It is demonstrated that pretreatment and silanization is feasible in silicon-silica/glass micromodels previously assembled by anodic bonding, and that the change in wettability has a significant observable effect on immiscisble fluid displacements in the pore network.

contact angle↗

Morphology and water-barrier properties of silane films on aluminum and silicon

The goal of this study is to understand the effect of the substrate on the morphology and water-barrier properties of bis-silane films. Silane films are deposited on both Si and Al. Neutron reflectivity is used to assess the effect of hydrothermal conditioning on the films. Aluminum on silicon (no silane) was characterized first to facilitate understanding of the more complicated silane on Al-coated Si. A 200-{angstrom} Al layer with 55-{angstrom} oxide covers the surface of the silicon wafer. The reflectivity data show that water penetrates into the oxide layer. Silane films deposited on either Al or Si substrates have similar bulk and top-surface morphology. Studies of silanes on Si wafers, therefore, can be generalized to include Al. The substrate-silane interface, however, does depend on both the substrate and the silane. Because pH of the bis-sulfur silane solution is outside of the stability range for Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, dissolution of the thin oxide film occurs during solution deposition. A water-depletion area is formed at the interface region due to this reaction.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Correlation of Oil-Water and Air-Water Contact Angles of Diverse Silanized Surfaces and Relationship to Fluid Interfacial Tensions

The use of air-water, {Theta}{sub wa}, or air-liquid contact angles is customary in surface science, while oil-water contact angles {Theta}{sub ow}, are of paramount importance in subsurface multiphase flow phenomena including petroleum reocovery, nonaqueous phase liquid fate and transport, and geological carbon sequestration. In this paper we determine both the air-water and oil-water contact angles of silica surfaces modified with a diverse selection of silanes, using hexadecane as the oil. The silanes included alkylsilanes, alkylarylsilanes, and silanes with alkyl or aryl groups that are functionalized with heteroatoms such as N, O, and S. These silanes yielded surfaces with wettabilities from water-wet to oil wet, including specific silanized surfaces functionalized with heteroatoms that yield intermediate wet surfaces. The oil-water contact angles for clean and silanized surfaces, excluding one partially fluorinated surface, correlate linearly with air-water contact angles with a slope of 1.41 (R = 0.981, n = 13). These data were used to examine a previously untested theoretical treatment relating air-water and oil-water contact angles in terms of fluid interfacial energies. Plotting the cosines of these contact angles against one another, we obtain a linear relationship in excellent agreement with the theoretical treatment; the data fit cos {Theta}{sub ow} = 0.667 cos {Theta}{sub ow} + 0.384 (R = 0.981, n = 13), intercepting cos {Theta}{sub ow} = -1 at -0.284. The theoretical slope, based on the fluid interfacial tensions {Theta}{sub wa}, {Theta}{sub ow}, and {Theta}{sub oa}, is 0.67. We also demonstrate how silanes can be used to alter the wettability of the interior of a pore network micromodel device constructed in silicon/silica with a glass cover plate. Such micromodels are used to study multiphase flow phenomena. The contact angle of the resulting interior was determined in situ. An intermediate wet micromodel gave a contact angle in excellent agreement with that obtained on an open planar silica surface using the same silane.

02 PETROLEUM↗

Analysis of gas membrane ultra-high purification of small quantities of mono-isotopic silane

A small quantity of high-value, crude, mono-isotopic silane is a prospective gas for a small-scale, high-recovery, ultra-high membrane purification process. This is an unusual application of gas membrane separation for which we provide a comprehensive analysis of a simple purification model. The goal is to develop direct analytic expressions for estimating the feasibility and efficiency of the method, and guide process design; this is only possible for binary mixtures of silane in the dilute limit which is a somewhat realistic case. In addition, analytic solutions are invaluable to verify numerical solutions obtained from computer-aided methods. Hence, in this paper we provide new analytic solutions for the purification loops proposed. Among the common impurities in crude silane, methane poses a special membrane separation challenge since it is chemically similar to silane. Other potential problematic compounds are: ethylene, diborane and ethane (in this order). Nevertheless, we demonstrate, theoretically, that a carefully designed membrane system may be able to purify mono-isotopic, crude silane to electronics-grade level in a reasonable amount of time and expenses. We advocate a combination of membrane materials that preferentially reject heavy impurities based on mobility selectivity, and light impurities based on solubility selectivity. We provide estimates for the purification of significant contaminants of interest. In this study, we suggest cellulose acetate and polydimethylsiloxane as examples of membrane materials on the basis of limited permeability data found in the open literature. We provide estimates on the membrane area needed and priming volume of the cell enclosure for fabrication purposes when using the suggested membrane materials. These estimates are largely theoretical in view of the absence of reliable experimental data for the permeability of silane. And finally, future extension of this work to the non-dilute limit may apply to the recovery of silane from rejected streams of natural silicon semi-conductor processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Analysis of Gas Membrane Ultra-High Purification of Small Quantities of Mono-Isotopic Silane

A small quantity of high-value, crude, mono-isotopic silane is a prospective gas for a small-scale, high-recovery, ultra-high membrane purification process. This is an unusual application of gas membrane separation for which we provide a comprehensive analysis of a simple purification model. The goal is to develop direct analytic expressions for estimating the feasibility and efficiency of the method, and guide process design; this is only possible for binary mixtures of silane in the dilute limit which is a somewhat realistic case. Among the common impurities in crude silane, methane poses a special membrane separation challenge since it is chemically similar to silane. Other potential problematic surprises are: ethylene, diborane and ethane (in this order). Nevertheless, we demonstrate, theoretically, that a carefully designed membrane system may be able to purify mono-isotopic, crude silane to electronics-grade level in a reasonable amount of time and expenses. We advocate a combination of membrane materials that preferentially reject heavy impurities based on mobility selectivity, and light impurities based on solubility selectivity. We provide estimates for the purification of significant contaminants of interest. To improve the separation selectivity, it is advantageous to use a permeate chamber under vacuum, however this also requires greater control of in-leakage of impurities in the system. In this study, we suggest cellulose acetate and polydimethylsiloxane as examples of membrane materials on the basis of limited permeability data found in the open literature. We provide estimates on the membrane area needed and priming volume of the cell enclosure for fabrication purposes when using the suggested membrane materials. These estimates are largely theoretical in view of the absence of reliable experimental data for the permeability of silane. Last but not least, future extension of this work to the non-dilute limit may apply to the recovery of silane from rejected streams of natural silicon semi-conductor processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Spherically expanding flame in silane–hydrogen–nitrous oxide–argon mixtures

The effect of silane addition on the laminar flame speed ($S^0_u$) of flames propagating in hydrogen–nitrous oxide–argon mixtures has been investigated experimentally for the first time using the spherically expanding flame technique in a constant volume combustion chamber. Replacing hydrogen by silane and maintaining the equivalence ratio constant, much higher flame speeds, explosion peak pressures, and pressure rise coefficients were measured. A previously developed detailed reaction model has been updated based on ab initio thermodynamic properties calculations and collision limit violation analysis. The improved reaction model demonstrates encouraging performance in predicting the flame speed, with a mean absolute error below 11%. To explain the effect of silane addition on the flame dynamics, a number of parameters have been calculated including OH and H rate of production, heat release rate per reaction, and sensitivity coefficient on . The dynamics of freely propagating flames in SiH 4 –H 2 –N 2 O–Ar mixtures is essentially controlled by reactions of the H–O–N chemical system: N 2 O+H=N 2 +OH, OH+H 2 =H 2 O+H, and N 2 O(+M)=N 2 +O(+M). Whereas silane addition does not influence much the rate of production of OH, it significantly modifies that of H with a number of pyrolytic chemical pathways of silicon hydrides, such as SiH+H 2 =SiH 2 +H and Si+H 2 =SiH+H, which act as sink of H atom as they proceed in the backward direction. The reactions forming SiO(s) and SiO 2 (s), such as SiO+OH=SiO 2 (s)+H and 2SiO=2SiO(s), are exothermic and significantly contribute to the temperature increase. The adiabatic, constant pressure flame temperature for mixture containing silane is significantly higher, up to several 100’s K. The increase of induced by silane addition seems to be mostly related to the large increase of the flame temperature which leads to higher energy release rate.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Robust silane self-assembled monolayer coatings on plasma-engineered copper surfaces promoting dropwise condensation

Dropwise condensation is well known to result in better heat transfer performance owing to efficient condensate/droplet removal, which can be harnessed in various industrial heat/mass transfer applications such as power generation and conversion, water harvesting/desalination, and electronics thermal management. The key to enhancing condensation via the dropwise mode is thin low surface energy coatings (<100 nm) with low contact angle hysteresis. Ultrathin (<5 nm) silane self-assembled monolayers (or SAMs) have been widely studied to promote dropwise condensation due to their minimal thermal resistance and scalable integration processes. Such thin coatings typically degrade within an hour during condensation of water vapor. After coating failure, water vapor condensation transitions to the inefficient filmwise mode with poor heat transfer performance. We enhance silane SAM quality and durability during water vapor condensation on copper compared to state-of-the-art silane coatings on metal surfaces. We achieve this via (i) surface polishing to sub-10 nm levels, (ii) pure oxygen plasma surface treatment, and (iii) silane coating integration with the copper substrate in an anhydrous/moisture-free environment. The resulting silane SAM has low contact angle hysteresis (≈20°) and promotes efficient dropwise condensation of water for >360 hours without any visible sign of coating failure/degradation in the absence of non-condensable gases. We further demonstrate enhanced heat transfer performance (≈5-7× increase over filmwise condensation) over an extended period of time. Surface characterization data post-condensation leads us to propose that in the absence of non-condensable gases in the vapor environment, the silane SAM degrades due to reduction and subsequent dissolution of copper oxide at the oligomer-substrate interface. The experiments also indicate that the magnitude of surface subcooling (or condensation rate) affects the rate of coating degradation. Finally, this work identifies a pathway to durable dropwise promoter coatings that will enable efficient heat transfer in industrial applications.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Silanization of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) through microfluidization and their use for producing thermally conductive and electrically insulating polymer nanocomposites

Chemical exfoliation of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) from large flakes of specially synthesized micro-sized hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) ceramics was carried out through microfluidization. The surface of BNNSs obtained was then functionalized with vinyl-trimethoxy silane (VTS) coupling agent through microfluidization once again in an effort to make them compatible with organic materials, especially those including polymers. The morphology of BNNSs with and without silane treatment was then systematically characterized by conducting various different analytical techniques, including Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Bright field Transmission Electron Microscopy (BF-TEM), Contact angle analyzer (CAA), Particle size analyzer (PSA) and Fourier Transmission Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy attached with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) module. As a result, the silane treatment was determined to be properly and successfully carried out and to give rise to the irregularity of large flakes of the BNNSs by folding back their free edges upon themselves, which in turn assists in inducing further exfoliation of the few-layered nanosheets. To gain more insight into the effectiveness of the surface functionalization, thermal conductivity of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites containing different amounts (1 wt% and 5 wt%) of BNNSs with and without silane treatment was experimentally investigated. Regardless of the weight content, PP nanocomposites containing silanized BNNSs were found to exhibit high thermal conductivity compared to PP nanocomposites containing BNNSs without silane treatment. It was concluded that microfluidization possesses the robustness to provide a reliable product quality, whether in small or large quantities, in a very time effective manner, when it comes to first exfoliating two-dimensional inorganic materials into few layered sheets, and functionalizing the surface of these sheets afterwards to make it possible to utilize them as promising filler constituent in manufacturing thermally conductive and electrically insulating polymer nanocomposites that could be considered as whole or a part of a heat-releasing device.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Improved adhesion of polyurethane-based nanocomposite coatings to tin surface through silane coupling agents

Conformal coatings with higher adhesion strength is critical for mitigating the growth of whiskers from the pure tin (Sn) or Sn-rich surfaces of the Pb-free electronics. Silane coupling agents have the ability to form a durable bond between polymeric coatings and metallic materials. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the effect of silane agents on the adhesion behavior of polyurethane (PU), polyurethane acrylate (PUA) and both coatings filled with silicone rubber (SR) nanoparticles on the tin solder pads. It was found that an isocyanate-based silane provided excellent adhesion for PU and PU + SR coatings and an acrylic-based silane for PUA and PUA + SR coatings on the tin surface. This was due to the reaction bond formation between the silane coupling agent and the coating. Hence, the selection of silane coupling agents with the organofunctional group similar to the coating material is crucial to improve the adhesion properties of the coating.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Imaging the presence of silane coatings in concrete with micro X-ray fluorescence

Silane is a commonly used surface treatment to reduce fluid entry into the concrete matrix. This work uses micro X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) to image the presence of silane coatings in field samples and the changes made to the paste chemistry. There are many advantages that μXRF has over other imaging techniques due to the large spot size and the high energy levels. Because of this, μXRF can rapidly investigate large areas and requires minimal sample preparation. Quantitative measurements are made to show that there is a reduction in the amount of sulfur and an increase in potassium in the hydrophobic regions formed by silane coatings. These measurements provide important insights into modifications made to the concrete matrix when silane sealers are used. The mechanisms for the observed chemistry changes are discussed and a simple field or laboratory test method is presented that uses a dye to detect silane coatings.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Tailoring surface properties and structure of layered double hydroxides using silanes with different number of functional groups

Four silanes, trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS), dimethyldiethoxylsilane (DMDES), 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), were adopted to graft layered double hydroxides (LDH) via an induced hydrolysis silylation method (IHS). Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and {sup 29}Si MAS nuclear magnetic resonance spectra ({sup 29}Si MAS NMR) indicated that APTES and TEOS can be grafted onto LDH surfaces via condensation with hydroxyl groups of LDH, while TMCS and DMDES could only be adsorbed on the LDH surface with a small quantity. A combination of X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) and {sup 29}Si MAS NMR spectra showed that silanes were exclusively present in the external surface and had little influence on the long range order of LDH. The surfactant intercalation experiment indicated that the adsorbed and/or grafted silane could not fix the interlamellar spacing of the LDH. However, they will form crosslink between the particles and affect the further surfactant intercalation in the silylated samples. The replacement of water by ethanol in the tactoids and/or aggregations and the polysiloxane oligomers formed during silylation procedure can dramatically increase the value of BET surface area (S{sub BET}) and total pore volumes (V{sub p}) of the products. - Graphical abstract: The replacement of water by ethanol in the tactoids and aggregations of LDHs, and the polysiloxane oligomers formed during silylation process can dramatically increase the BET surface area (S{sub BET}) and the total pore volume (V{sub p}) of the silylated products. - Highlights: • Silanes with multifunctional groups were grafted onto LDH surface in C{sub 2}H{sub 5}OH medium. • The number of hydrolysable groups in silanes affects the structure of grafted LDH. • Replacement of H{sub 2}O by C{sub 2}H{sub 5}OH in aggregations increases S{sub BET} and V{sub p} of grafted LDH. • Polysiloxane oligomers contribute to the increase of S{sub BET} and V{sub p} of grafted LDH.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Vapor-phase grafting of functional silanes on atomic layer deposited Al 2 O 3

Fundamental studies are needed to advance our understanding of selective adsorption in aqueous environments and develop more effective sorbents and filters for water treatment. Vapor-phase grafting of functional silanes is an effective method to prepare well-defined surfaces to study selective adsorption. In this investigation, we perform vapor phase grafting of five different silane compounds on aluminum oxide (Al2O3) surfaces prepared by atomic layer deposition. These silane compounds have the general formula L3Si–C3H6–X where the ligand, L, controls the reactivity with the hydroxylated Al2O3 surface and the functional moiety, X, dictates the surface properties of the grafted layer. We study the grafting process using in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ex situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, and we characterize the surfaces using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and water contact angle measurements. Here, we found that the structure and density of grafted aminosilanes are influenced by their chemical reactivity and steric constraints around the silicon atom as well as by the nature of the anchoring functional groups. Methyl substituted aminosilanes yielded more hydrophobic surfaces with a higher surface density at higher grafting temperatures. Thiol and nitrile terminated silanes were also studied and compared to the aminosilane terminated surfaces. Uniform monolayer coatings were observed for ethoxy-based silanes, but chlorosilanes exhibited nonuniform coatings as verified by atomic force microscopy measurements.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Functionalisation of Detonation Nanodiamond for Monodispersed, Soluble DNA-Nanodiamond Conjugates Using Mixed Silane Bead-Assisted Sonication Disintegration

Here, nanodiamonds have many attractive properties that make them suitable for a range of biological applications, but their practical use has been limited because nanodiamond conjugates tend to aggregate in solution during or after functionalisation. Here we demonstrate the production of DNA-detonation nanodiamond (DNA-DND) conjugates with high dispersion and solubility using an ultrasonic, mixed-silanization chemistry protocol based on the in situ Bead-Assisted Sonication Disintegration (BASD) silanization method. We use two silanes to achieve these properties: (1) 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyl methylphosphonate (THPMP); a negatively charged silane that imparts high zeta potential and solubility in solution; and (2) (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES); a commonly used functional silane that contributes an amino group for subsequent bioconjugation. We target these amino groups for covalent conjugation to thiolated, single-stranded DNA oligomers using the heterobifunctional crosslinker sulfosuccinimidyl 4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (Sulfo-SMCC). The resulting DNA-DND conjugates are the smallest reported to date, as determined by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The functionalisation method we describe is versatile and can be used to produce a wide variety of soluble DND-biomolecule conjugates.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Photo-Brook rearrangement of acyl silanes as a strategy for photoaffinity probe design

Photoaffinity labeling (PAL) is a powerful tool for the identification of non-covalent small molecule–protein interactions that are critical to drug discovery and medicinal chemistry, but this approach is limited to only a small subset of robust photocrosslinkers. The identification of new photoreactive motifs capable of covalent target capture is therefore highly desirable. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a new class of PAL warheads based on the UV-triggered 1,2-photo-Brook rearrangement of acyl silanes, which hitherto have not been explored for PAL workflows. Irradiation of a series of probes in cell lysate revealed an iPr-substituted acyl silane with superior photolabeling and minimal thermal background labeling compared to other substituted acyl silanes. Further, small molecule (+)-JQ1- and rapamycin-derived iPr acyl silanes were shown to selectively label recombinant BRD4-BD1 and FKBP12, respectively, with minimal background. Together, these data highlight the untapped potential of acyl silanes as a novel, tunable scaffold for photoaffinity labeling.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Plasma processes for producing silanes and derivatives thereof

The invention is generally related to process for generating one or more molecules having the formula Si.sub.xH.sub.y, Si.sub.xD.sub.y, Si.sub.xH.sub.yD.sub.z, and mixtures thereof, where x,y and z are integers .gtoreq.1, H is hydrogen and D is deuterium, such as silane, comprising the steps of: providing a silicon containing material, wherein the silicon containing material includes at least 20 weight percent silicon atoms based on the total weight of the silicon containing material; generating a plasma capable of vaporizing a silicon atom, sputtering a silicon atom, or both using a plasma generating device; and contacting the plasma to the silicon containing material in a chamber having an atmosphere that includes at least about 0.5 mole percent hydrogen atoms and/or deuterium atoms based on the total moles of atoms in the atmosphere; so that a molecule having the formula Si.sub.xH.sub.y; (e.g., silane) is generated. The process preferably includes a step of removing one or more impurities from the Si.sub.xH.sub.y (e.g., the silane) to form a clean Si.sub.xH.sub.y, Si.sub.xD.sub.y, Si.sub.xH.sub.yD.sub.z (e.g., silane). The process may also include a step of reacting the Si.sub.xH.sub.y, Si.sub.xD.sub.y, Si.sub.xH.sub.yD.sub.z (e.g., the silane) to produce a high purity silicon containing material such as electronic grade metallic silicon, photovoltaic grade metallic silicon, or both.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗