Synthesis and characterization of silica microspheres

CHED 342

John Brantley, johnathan.brantley160@wku.edu and Lester L. Pesterfield, lester.pesterfield@wku.edu. Department of Chemistry, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Silica microspheres have been prepared by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). Several variables have been tested to determine their influence on the production of silica microspheres in terms of the shape of particle formed, consistency of particle size and surface characteristics. Silica microspheres have been prepared by varying the method of mixing, the reaction time, type of reaction vessel, concentration of reactants, solvent composition and reaction temperature. SEM and AFM images were taken to determine the relationship between reaction parameters and physical characteristics of the microspheres, e.g. size of particle, general shape, uniformity and surface morphology. Representative SEM and AFM images will be presented.