Method for making a conjugate azole-based surface modified silicon dioxide nanoparticle

A method of preparing a conjugate composition, comprising:

• reacting a linker of Formula (1)
• (C1-5O—)3—Si—C2-10—O—C1-10-oxirane (1),
• with an azole, to obtain a first product;
• mixing the first product with silicon dioxide nanoparticles to obtain a mixture, wherein the silicon dioxide nanoparticles have an average diameter in a range of from 5 to 60 nm and a silicon dioxide content of at least 75 wt. %, relative to a total nanoparticle weight;
• and
• heating the mixture at a temperature in a range of from 50 to 90° C. to form the conjugate composition,
• wherein the conjugate composition comprises, in reacted form, the silicon dioxide nanoparticles surface modified with the linker and the azole such that:
• the silicon of the linker forms a covalent bond to at least one of the oxygen atoms of the silicon dioxide of the silicon dioxide nanoparticles, and
• the azole is covalently bonded with a carbon atom of the oxirane of the linker via ring-opening of the oxirane with the azole.