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Scalable synthesis of ultrasmall hybrid silica colloidal particles through balanced solvophobic interaction and electrostatic repulsion

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Abstract

Ultrasmall silica colloid particles (SCPs) show broad applications in various fields, including cosmetics, paint, medicine, and electronics. However, the precise and scalable synthesis of ultrasmall SCPs remains challenging. This study introduces a facile polymer-based strategy for the synthesis of ultrasmall SCPs through the synergistic utilization of solvophobic interactions and electrostatic repulsion. The size of SCPs can be efficiently modulated by the ratio between solvophilic and solvophobic segments within random copolymers. This approach allows for producing SCPs with a diameter of down to 9.6 ± 1.7 nm and a solid content of up to 9.8%. Furthermore, amphiphilic SCPs were obtained by introducing PEO blocks into copolymer templates and modifying with long carbon chain silane coupling agent.

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Funding

This work is financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant 91963107, 52125308), the Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (2021-01-07-00-07-E00073), the National Key R & D Program of China (2022YFA1404700), and the Shanghai Pujiang Program (23PJ1401000).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, People’s Republic of China

    Zhongqi Liu, Yan Zhang, Yutao Sang & Zhihong Nie

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  1. Zhongqi Liu
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  2. Yan Zhang
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  3. Yutao Sang
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  4. Zhihong Nie
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This work was performed by Z. Q. Liu under the guidance of Y. T. Sang and Z. H. Nie.

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Correspondence to Yutao Sang or Zhihong Nie.

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Liu, Z., Zhang, Y., Sang, Y. et al. Scalable synthesis of ultrasmall hybrid silica colloidal particles through balanced solvophobic interaction and electrostatic repulsion. Colloid Polym Sci (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00396-024-05258-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00396-024-05258-7

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