One-pot synthesis P-Sq; uniform Um diameter spherical beads.
Figure 1: SEM picture of U-Sq beads
Beads shrink upon heat treatment (1 Um diameter beads at 400 – 440°C).
Will absorb all metals in the periodic table from lithium to bismuth (including the lanthanides) except for mercury and selenium (boron, silicon, tellurium and the radioactive metals have not yet been tested). Phosphorus can be absorbed as ammonium phosphate.
Beads containing elements can be used for slow-release applications, such as fertilizers (ammonium phosphate), anti-bacterial and anti-algal (silver and copper).
Beads can be incorporated into polymer matrices and they are also non-toxic to bacteria.
Beads allow direct adhesion of a silicon precursor such that removal of the beads U spherical hollow silica shells with uniform diameters 50% of initial beads (three-step process including heating).
Figure 2: SEM picture of hollow silica shells (made from 1 Um diameter beads)
Metals can be absorbed into beads during the silication process and removal of the bead U spherical hollow silica shells internally lined with the absorbed metal and with uniform diameters 75% of template.
Silica shells when soaked in aqueous or organic solutions containing selected molecules (such as zwitterionic dyes) can store those molecules.
