Synthesis of Silica Spherical to Y-Shape Nanoparticles: A Review with Surface Modifications and Its Characterization

Abstract

This study deals with the different shape and sizes of silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) ranging from a typical sphere to Y-shape to core-shell. The particles have been categorized as three i.e., mesoporous, macroporous and core-shell. Stöber process has played a great role in the fabrication of SiO₂ NPs and by varying parameters like surfactant, solvent, pH, templating techniques, water to surfactant ratio, surfactant to co-surfactant ratio etc., the morphology was observed to change. The modified SiO₂ NPs obtained were spherical and changed to rod shape and then to Y-shape with change in concentration of alcohol. The effect of above reaction parameters has been investigated on size and shape of NPs which is further discussed in review. SiO₂ NPs in form of composites are widely used in the field of bio-sensing, adsorbents, water treatment, drug delivery etc. This review article aims to present different shapes of SiO₂ NPs and discuss its application as an adsorbent for water remediation techniques.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Silica precursor
• large surface area
• controllable particle size
• surface functionalization