Effect of surface functionalization on synthesis of mesoporous silica core/shell particles

A pure and simple procedure for preparation of silica core/shell particles is reported. Core/shell particles were formed by assembling the primary silica nanoparticles synthesized by neutralization of highly basic sodium silicate solution, on the surface of monodispersed silica core (average size ∼0.4 μm). The core particles were prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate. To improve assembling of primary silica particles on the surface of silica core particles, the latter were functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) or poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA). The obtained particles have mesoporous, relatively uniform and continuous silica shell and were prepared without pore-forming agents. The pore size and volume are easily adjustable by controlling the formation of primary silica nanoparticles during synthesis of core/shell particles.

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► Simple method for synthesis of mesoporous SiO2 core/shell particles was developed.
► Functionalization of monodisperzed SiO2 core particles were done by APTES or PDDA.
► Oppositely charged SiO2 nanoparticles were assembled on functionalized core particles.
► Mesoporous (dmean ∼7 nm), thin (∼30 nm) and continuous silica shells were prepared.
► Obtained particles are suitable for enzyme immobilization and heterogenous catalysis.