Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

08:44
Synthesis and Reaction Chemistry of Nanosize Monosodium Titanate
Published on: February 23, 2016
One-step synthesis of structurally controlled silicate particles from sodium silicates using a simple precipitation
Chan Yoon Jung1, Jung Soo Kim, Tae Sun Chang
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 17 Haeng-dang dong, Seong-dong gu, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|March 19, 2010
Summary
This study presents a simple, economical one-pot synthesis for producing silica particles with controlled internal structures. The method allows for mass production of templated silica nanoparticles with diverse morphologies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Inorganic Chemistry
Background:
- Silica nanoparticles are crucial in various applications.
- Developing cost-effective synthesis methods for templated silica is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a scalable, template-free method for synthesizing silica particles with tunable internal structures.
- To characterize the synthesized particles and their properties.
Main Methods:
- One-pot precipitation synthesis using aqueous sodium silicate and alcohol.
- Control of reaction parameters (solvent, time, temperature, addition rate) to influence particle morphology.
- Post-synthesis purification (washing) to reduce sodium content.
- Characterization using electron microscopy, N(2) adsorption/desorption, ICP-OES, XRD, IR, and (29)Si NMR.
Main Results:
- Spherical silica particles (50-100 nm) with hollow, porous, and dense internal structures were synthesized without external templates.
- Sodium content was effectively reduced through washing.
- Particles maintained their morphology after heat treatment at 500°C.
- Detailed chemical and physical properties were elucidated.
Conclusions:
- The developed one-pot synthesis offers a simple, economical, and scalable route for producing diverse silica nanoparticles.
- This method has potential for the commercial mass production of silica particles.
Related Concept Videos
Precipitation Reactions
In a precipitation reaction, aqueous solutions of soluble salts react to give an insoluble ionic compound – the precipitate. The reaction occurs when oppositely charged ions in solution overcome their attraction for water and bind to each other, forming a precipitate that separates out from the solution. Since such reactions involve the exchange of ions between ionic compounds in aqueous solution, they are also referred to as double displacement, double replacement, exchange reactions, or...
Precipitate Formation and Particle Size Control
In precipitation gravimetry, the precipitating agent should react specifically or selectively with the analyte. While a specific reagent reacts with the analyte alone, a selective reagent can react with a limited number of chemical species.
The obtained precipitate should be either a pure substance of known composition or easily converted to one by a simple process, such as ignition or drying. In addition, the precipitate should be insoluble and easily filterable. In general, filterability...
The obtained precipitate should be either a pure substance of known composition or easily converted to one by a simple process, such as ignition or drying. In addition, the precipitate should be insoluble and easily filterable. In general, filterability...
Precipitation Processes
The experimental conditions in a gravimetric analysis should be optimized to maximize the particle size and purity of the obtained precipitate. Ideally, the concentration of the precipitating reagent should be low with effective stirring to maintain low relative supersaturation for the growth of large crystals. In homogeneous precipitation, the precipitant is slowly generated by a chemical reaction in the solution to avoid local reagent excesses. For example, urea decomposes gradually to...
Colloidal precipitates
The high insolubility of some precipitates can result in an unfavorable relative supersaturation. This can lead to colloidal particles with a large surface-to-mass ratio, where adsorption is promoted. For instance, in the precipitation of silver chloride, silver ions are adsorbed on the surface of the colloidal particles, forming a primary layer. This layer attracts ions of opposite charge (such as nitrate ions), forming a diffuse secondary layer of adsorbed ions. This electric double layer...
Washing, Drying, and Ignition of Precipitates
After filtration, the precipitate is washed to remove coprecipitated impurities and any remaining mother liquor. Colloidal precipitates, such as silver chloride, are washed with an electrolyte (such as dilute nitric acid) to prevent the peptization of the precipitate. In the case of slightly soluble precipitates, the wash solution contains a common ion to reduce solubility. Lead sulfate, which is slightly soluble in water, is washed with dilute sulfuric acid. Similarly, wash solutions may be...

