Preparation and application of highly monodispersed hybrid silica spheres

Abstract

Hybrid silica spheres were successfully synthesized using a simple process. To prepare the hybrid silica particles, MPTMS (3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane) silica precursor having a many thiol group was used. Silica spheres were made through the self-hydrolysis and condensation. By controlling the concentration of MPTMS in water solution, size of hybrid silica particles changed. As the MPTMS concentration increases, hybrid particle size increases. Because the silica particles have a many reaction site on their surfaces, it can be applied on industrial area. For example, using hybrid silica particles, formaldehyde was efficiently removed at room temperature. Also, useful polymer can be easily attached on the surfaces of the particles. When the useful polymer attached on the silica surfaces, physical and chemical properties of particle were changed. Detailed characterization of the hybrid and their application were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy, FT-IR, and UV-vis spectrophometer.