Ho W.Y., Yeung K.L.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, HK
Keywords: hollow silica, hydrogen, MCM-41, nanospheres, solvothermal
This work describes the preparation of ultra-small and ultra-thin hollow silica nanospheres from mesoporous MCM-41. The partially converted MCM-41, which retained the silhouette of the original MCM-41 particle, but is severely riddled with holes from which the nanospheres emerges. Longer treatment time converts the MCM-41 into aggregate clusters of hollow silica nanospheres. The nanospheres could be dispersed without damage by simple sonication. The hollow nanospheres have a uniform diameter of 10.9 ± 0.3 nm and an ultrathin silica wall of 1 nm. To our best knowledge, this is the smallest and thinnest hollow silica nanospheres ever reported. Work is in progress to investigate the application of the hollow silica nanospheres for hydrogen storage and drug delivery.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 4, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 4
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 313 - 315
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Nanoparticle Synthesis & Applications
ISBN: 1-4200-6376-6