Simple and Rapid High-Yield Synthesis of Sub-100 nm Nano-SiO2·0.5H2O Particles Based on Wollastonite

Abstract

Amorphous nano-SiO2·nH2O particles has drawn much attention in industrial applications because of the features of high purification, low density, large specific surface area, fine decentralization, good optical, and mechanical performances. However, the applications have been hindered by the exorbitant price and the serious agglomeration. In this work, using wollastonite as reactant, H2SO4 as solvent, and adding sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) as surfactant, sub-100 nm amorphous nano-SiO2·0.5H2O particles with good dispersibility, controllable agglomeration, narrow size distribution, and high yield were prepared by a low-cost and simple chemical method. The prepared sphere-like amorphous nano-SiO2·0.5H2O particles with average diameter of 70 nm were absorbed by the SDBS on the surface. The reaction conditions were systematically studied and the optimal technologic condition of the preparation was also confirmed. The achievement had a great perspective for the industrialization of high-quality nano-SiO2·nH2O particles, which hold great promise for various applications, such as plasmonic and catalytic nanoparticles supporting, polymeric matrices strengthening, drug delivery, and adsorption processes.