A simple route has been developed for the direct synthesis of hollow silica nanospheres functionalized with organic groups. Under acidic conditions, tetraethoxysilane and organotrialkoxysilanes in different molar ratios were co-condensed in a single-micelle-templating process using a commercially available triblock copolymer surfactant and a suitable micelle swelling agent. The nanospheres exhibited large diameters of inner cavities, appreciable pore volumes and high specific surface areas. In addition, the nanospheres were successfully post-functionalized using surface-grafting approaches. Thermogravimetry, 29Si NMR, IR, transmission electron microscopy, gas adsorption and small-angle X-ray scattering were used to characterize the functionalized nanospheres.

Syntheses of functionalized hollow silica nanospheres

246th National Meeting (2013)

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