Preparation of Monodisperse Composite Particles by Hydrolysis of Metal Alkoxides with Seed Particles

Abstract

Silica particles of micron size were prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) with silica seed particles synthesized by Stöber's method. Monodisperse silica particles larger than 1μm in diameter were found to be produced by controlling the total surface area of seed particles. The final particle size in this seed growth technique could be predicted if an apparent rate constant of hydrolysis was measured. The preparation of monodisperse composite particles of silica-titania was also attempted by the hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) with silica seed particles. It was found the monodisperse composite particles of silica-titania were obtained by continuous addition of water.