Publication
Title
A scanning electron microscopy study on hollow silica microspheres: defects and influences of the synthesis composition
Author
Abstract
Defects on hollow silica spheres synthesized in a tetraethylorthosilicate-octylamine-HCl-H2O system were recorded by scanning microscope. Based on the results, influences of synthesis composition on the formation of these defects are discussed. It is evidenced that products prepared with different octylamine-to-tetraethylorthosilicate ratios may have surface depressions, cracks and non-hollow microspheres. However, by changing water and acid additions, these defects could be reduced or eliminated. Generally, samples synthesized with a large octylamine addition commonly exhibit surface depressions. A small octylamine or a large water addition benefits the formation of solid silica microspheres among the product. Acid, although is not indispensable for the formation of hollow spheres, helps to eliminate or reduce depressions on the hollow shells. It is explained that the added acid gives rise to a relative localized fast hydrolysis versus condensation, facilitating an easy mobility of hydrolyzed silica species, and consequently the shell surface is smoothened.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Journal of sol-gel science and technology. - Dordrecht
Publication
Dordrecht : Kluwer , 2009
ISSN
0928-0707
DOI
10.1007/S10971-008-1875-0
Volume/pages
49 :3 (2009) , p. 373-379
ISI
000263260100015
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 14.04.2009
Last edited 23.08.2022
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