An efficient approach to derive hydroxyl groups on the surface of barium titanate nanoparticles to improve its chemical modification ability.

Highly hydroxylated barium titanate (BaTiO(3)) nanoparticles have been prepared via an easy and gentle approach which oxidizes BaTiO(3) nanoparticles using an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). The hydroxylated BaTiO(3) surface reacts with sodium oleate (SOA) to form oleophilic layers that greatly enhance the dispersion of BaTiO(3) nanoparticles in organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, toluene, and n-octane. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the major functional groups on the surface of H(2)O(2)-treated BaTiO(3) nanoparticles are hydroxyl groups which are chemically active, favoring chemical bonding with SOA.