Controlling submicron-particle template morphology: effect of solvent chemistry

Effect of surfactant on particle morphology for liquid phase deposition of submicron silica

“…However, in the present case, the tree-like morphology is possibly related to the ionic strength of the solution. Wiesner and co-workers [9] have reported that deposition of preformed 244 nm silica spheres in solutions of high ionic strength (1.5 M) results in structures similar to those observed for SDS and SDBS (at higher surfactant concentrations). Their work showed that the electrostatic forces between particles (their "stickiness") was responsible for the agglomeration and fusing of spheres into complex random structures.…”

“…Since the utility of a porous material depends on the internal pore diameter, the pore size distribution, and morphology, efforts have been made to control the morphology of the template. Wiesner and co-workers [9] have shown that by controlling the properties of the solvent in which preformed silica spheres were suspended (and hence the surface chemistry of the silica spheres) either a well organized close-packed array of spheres or complex porous structures could be produced. Organic and low ionic strength solvents resulted in ordered structures of hexagonal packing.…”

Porous Polymer Membranes by Hard Templating – A Review

“…The packing correlates directly to the porosity of the final membranes, if direct templating is used. [147] Poly(methyl methacrylate) was polymerized around a silica colloid on an indium tin oxide support for applications of optics. [148] …”

Use of nanotechnology for clean and safer future environment

“…In principle, 'nano-traps' designed for a certain contaminant can be produced, for instance having a specific pore size and surface reactivity [37][38].…”