3.4. Changes in CT surface basicity
The TDP measurements revealed no CO2 desorption peak for
untreated cellulose in the temperature range 20-100oC. Polyol incorporation induced a marked change in
the TPD profile, mainly characterized by the appearance of a wide
desorption peak between 20 and 110 oC (Fig.
S9.b ). This accounts for the rise of weakly basic adsorption sites,
most likely amphoteric to slightly basic OH groups belonging to the
inserted polyol dendrimer. OH groups were found to dramatically decline
after CuNP insertion and totally disappear after AgNP incorporation.
This is a confirmation of the appearance rise of novel HO:MNP
interaction that seems to be stronger with AgNPs compared to CuNPs.
Thus, CuNPs seem to be less entrapped by the dendrimer entanglement than
AgNPs and more effective as antibacterial agent being less retained in
the solid phase.