Hollow particles are promising for various applications in catalysis, rechargeable batteries, gas sensors, drug delivery systems and biomedical imaging agents. The structural transition from ordered mesoporous to hollow particles is possible by exploiting surfactant self-assembly and preferential partitioning between different species in the precursor solution. In our previous work, the synthesis of submicrometer hollow silica particles encapsulating ferromagnetic iron oxide using the aerosol-based process has been described. The objective here is to investigate the colloidal interactions that produce these hollow particles through the aerosol-based process. We hypothesize that the structural transition results from the disruption of the co-assembly of silicate and surfactant (CTAB), by the preferential partitioning of surfactant to FeCl3 by salt bridges. The salt bridging effect in the precursor solution will be characterized by light scattering, NMR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). This knowledge is essential in designing materials for various applications.

Salt bridging of surfactant template in the synthesis of submicrometer hollow particles

245th National Meeting (2013)

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