Multi-component hybrid inorganic–organic–inorganic particles with various metal oxide outer shells

Non-agglomerated hybrid particles of 200 nm diameter with an outer metal oxide shell were prepared by reacting the COOH groups of poly((S)-N-dicarbazolyl-lysine)-covered silica particles with metal alkoxides, such as titanium, zirconium and aluminum alkoxides, followed by sol–gel processing. With tetraethoxysilane (Si(OEt)4), the silica particle core was growing rather than forming an external metal oxide shell, as observed for the other tested metal alkoxides.

Graphical abstractInorganic–organic–inorganic hybrid particles were prepared by reacting the COOH groups of poly((S)-N-dicarbazolyl-lysine)-covered silica particles with metal alkoxides, followed by sol–gel processing. With tetraethoxysilane, the silica core was growing rather than forming an external metal oxide shell, as observed for the other tested metal alkoxides.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide