Synthesis and Characterization of Silica Nanoparticles

Currently there are several models discussed to describe the formation of monodispersed silica particles. Monodisperse colloidal silica was prepared from tetraethoxysilane in mixture of ammonia, water and ethanol. Chemical system reaction permits the controlled growth of silica nanoparticles and subsequent condition of silicic acid in alcoholic solution. The molar ratio of NH4OH, C2H5OH and H2O has a significant effect on particle size and specific surface area of silica particles. The nature of particles was evaluated using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and BET. The morphology of particles were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).