Nanovoids contained
in hollow particles render them potential drug
carriers. However, conventional methods for the synthesis of these
particlhes involve complex processes. In this study, we developed
a template-free method for the synthesis of hollow polymer and silica
particles by initially preparing polystyrene core particles containing
2,2′-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile) (V-59) through soap-free
emulsion polymerization. The subsequent generation of nitrogen gas
inside these particles upon the decomposition of V-59 at 70 °C
led to the formation of voids. In addition, silica shells were synthesized
on the surfaces of the V-59-containing polystyrene core particles
through a sol–gel reaction at 40 °C, following which voids
were formed by the decomposition of V-59 at 70 °C. The developed
method involves straightforward steps and is environmentally friendly,
as it does not require the use of surfactants, organic solvents, or
templates.