Direct template approach for the formation of (anisotropic shape) hollow silicate microparticles

Abstract

Non-uniform bulk or surface morphology of hollow particles has been an emerging interest because of the potential applications involving chemical storage, delivery and self-assembly for novel functional materials. There had been reports that experimental anisotropic (non-uniform) particles are much more difficult than synthesizing particles with uniform bulk and surface. Hence, this study reported a simple direct approach for the formation of unique hollow anisotropic amorphous silicate microparticles (10 to 20 μm). This was successfully prepared at room temperature via hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), with ammonia water (NH4OH) as catalyst, ethanol (EtOH) and inorganic micro-size calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as template. The molar ratio used was 1.88:28.85:1:2.85 (CaCO3: EtOH: TEOS: NH4OH), mixed/stirred (at room temperature for 2 h), then filtered/washed by ethanol/water, after then dried and acid treated (3.0 mole/L) to obtained a micro-sized hollow SiO2 particles. This simple approach for the formation of unique anisotropic shape hollow silicate micro-sized particles can be a good alternative for a possible application as large porous carrier for nanoparticles (large drug delivery (LPP's)). © 2011 Ceramic Society of Japan.