Mesoporous Silica Particles with Controlled Pore Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing hollow silica particles with a mesoporous structure and uniform pore size distribution fail to consistently achieve particles with a high BET specific surface area and uniform particle diameter, often resulting in broad particle size distributions and amorphous shapes.
Innovation Solution
The production of hollow silica particles involves using a hydrophobic organic compound or polymeric organic compound as a core, or employing silica sources with different hydrolysis rates, along with quaternary ammonium salts, to create a mesoporous structure with controlled pore size and high specific surface area, and incorporating these compounds inside the particles during the synthesis process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used to produce hollow silica particles with mesoporous structure, then particles can be obtained, but the particle size distribution becomes broad and particle shape becomes amorphous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the silica source, specifically using a mixed system of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and organosilane compounds with different hydrolysis rates. This parameter change enables control over both particle size uniformity and particle shape, producing spherical particles with narrow size distribution while maintaining mesoporous structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite silica source system combining inorganic silica (TEOS) and organic-modified silica (organosilane). This composite approach allows the different components to contribute their respective properties: TEOS provides structural integrity and spherical shape, while organosilane controls hydrolysis rate and pore formation, achieving both shape control and size uniformity.
2Quantity of substance
If mesoporous silica particles are produced using existing methods, then porous structure is achieved, but BET specific surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the pore size parameter to fall within the mesoporous range of 0.5-10 nm, which maximizes the BET specific surface area. By controlling the pore size to be uniform and within this specific range through the use of organosilane additives, the patent achieves both high surface area and uniform pore distribution, resolving the contradiction between quantity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a controlled porous structure formation mechanism where organosilane compounds act as pore-forming agents during hydrolysis. This creates a uniform mesoporous network with optimized pore size (0.5-10 nm) that maximizes the specific surface area while maintaining structural integrity and uniform pore size distribution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hollow silica particles are produced without organic compound incorporation, then simpler structure is obtained, but catalytic activity and adsorption performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates organic compounds into the silica matrix to create a composite material that combines the advantages of both inorganic silica (structural stability, porosity) and organic compounds (catalytic activity, adsorption capability). This composite structure enhances catalytic activity and adsorption performance while maintaining a relatively simple spherical morphology and mesoporous architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional particle system where the silica matrix provides structural support and porosity, while incorporated organic compounds provide catalytic and adsorption functions. This universal design allows a single particle structure to perform multiple functions simultaneously, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method yields hollow silica particles with a high BET specific surface area and uniform particle diameter, achieving 80% or more particles within a specific size range, and composite silica particles with a mesoporous structure and incorporated organic compounds, suitable for applications as catalyst carriers and adsorbents.
Implementation Method 1
mesoporous silica having meso-order pores
Implementation Method 2
outer shell portion of a mesoporous structure
Implementation Method 3
silica sources with different hydrolysis rates
Implementation Method 4
incorporating these compounds inside the particles during the synthesis process
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to (1) hollow silica particles including an outer shell portion having a mesoporous structure with an average pore size of from 1 to 10 nm, wherein the silica particles have an average particle diameter of from 0.05 to 10 μm, and 80% or more of the whole silica particles have a particle diameter falling within the range of ±30% of the average particle diameter; (2) composite silica particles including silica particles which include an outer shell portion having a mesoporous structure with an average pore size of from 1 to 10 nm, and have a BET specific surface area of 100 m2/g or more, and a hydrophobic organic compound or a polymeric organic compound incorporated inside of the silica particles; and a process for producing the hollow silica particles.