Hollow SiO2 particles have many potential applications in catalysis, drug delivery, photonic materials, and sensing. While many synthetic methods for these materials have been reported, most of these rely on employing �hard� templates, such as polymer latex particles. The main disadvantage of the hard-template approach is the difficulty of refilling or selective functionalization of the interior of the particles. Herein, we try to solve this problem by developing a true �soft� template that can serve both as a structural mold for hollow SiO2 particles, and as the medium for in situ encapsulation of functional materials into the nanoscale cavities.In this presentation, we describe the synthesis of a library of novel fluorocarbon-based surfactants (F-surfactants), which serve as convenient templates for well-controlled synthesis of hollow SiO2 nanospheres under especially mild conditions. Our F-surfactants are effective at stabilizing small, sub-nanometer Au, Ag and Pd nanoparticles, which allows easy access to �rattle�-type SiO2 materials. Small hydrophobic molecules and polymers can be easily trapped in the spheres. Finally, we demonstrate control over the size of hollow SiO2 nanospheres by introducing fluorous solvents as miniemulsion swelling agents.

Synthesis of hollow SiO<sub>2</sub> nanospheres: Fluorous soft templates for encapsulation of functional materials

245th National Meeting (2013)

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Synthesis of hollow SiO2 nanospheres: Fluorous soft templates for encapsulation of functional materials

Synthesis of hollow SiO₂ nanospheres: Fluorous soft templates for encapsulation of functional materials