Synthesis and characterization of hollow mesoporous Silica nanocomposites via polystyrene template

In this study, the synthesis of hollow mesoporous silicate particles was studied using TEOS precursor in the presence of a polystyrene template and CTAB surfactant micelles. The process was carried out in based on alcoholic system with pH control and adding CTAB surface activator at a suitable concentration. The results of the FTIR analysis showed that the pre-forming particles of TEOS formed surface boundaries during the synthesis process with CTAB surfactant agents. Also the presence of Si-O-Si bonds (range from 600 to 1320 cm-1) indicates the formation of silicate chains on polystyrene molds. Thermal analysis studies showed that using appropriate heat treatment and precise control, all organic compounds can be removed from the system and synthesized hollow mesoporous silica particle with the least structural defects at 380°C. The BET analysis showed that the specific surface of these synthesized mesoporous silicate particles is 1180 m2.g-1 X-ray diffraction results showed that the product obtained was amorphous silica and impurity phases are not formed in this system. The DLS analysis showed that the synthesized particles had dimensions ranging in size from 1 to 10 nm and the distribution of particle size has occurred in a narrow range. SEM images confirm the sphericality of nanoparticles with a mean size of 25-30 nm. Finally, the transmitted electron microscope images showed that the synthesized silicate particles were hollow, so that the diameter of the hollow cavity and its entire total diameter are about 30 and 80 nm, respectively.