“DIY” Silica Nanoparticles: Exploring the Scope of a Simplified Synthetic Procedure and Absorbance-Based Diameter Measurements
In this study, the classical Stöber silica synthesis protocol was used to test the limits of simplification in the preparation and size determination of nanoparticles. The scope of three-ingredient, one-pot synthesis was established in conditions of regular 96% and 99.8% ethanol as solvent, with aqu...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2020-07-01
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| Series: | Materials |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/13/14/3088 |
| _version_ | 1797562792682717184 |
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| author | Łukasz Tabisz Jerzy Stanek Bogusława Łęska |
| author_facet | Łukasz Tabisz Jerzy Stanek Bogusława Łęska |
| author_sort | Łukasz Tabisz |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In this study, the classical Stöber silica synthesis protocol was used to test the limits of simplification in the preparation and size determination of nanoparticles. The scope of three-ingredient, one-pot synthesis was established in conditions of regular 96% and 99.8% ethanol as solvent, with aqueous ammonia as the only source of base and water. Particles with diameters in the 15–400 nm range can be reliably obtained with this straightforward approach, and the direct relationship between the size and the product of concentrations of water and ammonia is evidenced. Furthermore, the idea of a linear approximation for Mie scattering in particular conditions is discussed, using experimental data and theoretical calculations. A simple, fast method for particle size determination utilizing a UV-Vis spectrophotometer—an easily accessible instrument—is explained, and shows a level of error (<0.5 SD) that can be acceptable for less rigorous laboratory use of nanoparticles or serve as a quick means for testing the influence of minor alterations to known synthetic protocols. This work aims to show that nanoparticle synthesis can (and should) become a regular occurrence, even in non-specialized labs, facilitating research into their new applications and inspiring outside-the-box solutions, while discussing the drawbacks of a more relaxed synthetic regimen. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T18:33:36Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-8e00b7d3c0df4fdf87c05f0c67f434ac |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1996-1944 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T18:33:36Z |
| publishDate | 2020-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Materials |
| spelling | doaj.art-8e00b7d3c0df4fdf87c05f0c67f434ac2023-11-20T06:24:43ZengMDPI AGMaterials1996-19442020-07-011314308810.3390/ma13143088“DIY” Silica Nanoparticles: Exploring the Scope of a Simplified Synthetic Procedure and Absorbance-Based Diameter MeasurementsŁukasz Tabisz0Jerzy Stanek1Bogusława Łęska2Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, PolandFaculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, PolandFaculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, PolandIn this study, the classical Stöber silica synthesis protocol was used to test the limits of simplification in the preparation and size determination of nanoparticles. The scope of three-ingredient, one-pot synthesis was established in conditions of regular 96% and 99.8% ethanol as solvent, with aqueous ammonia as the only source of base and water. Particles with diameters in the 15–400 nm range can be reliably obtained with this straightforward approach, and the direct relationship between the size and the product of concentrations of water and ammonia is evidenced. Furthermore, the idea of a linear approximation for Mie scattering in particular conditions is discussed, using experimental data and theoretical calculations. A simple, fast method for particle size determination utilizing a UV-Vis spectrophotometer—an easily accessible instrument—is explained, and shows a level of error (<0.5 SD) that can be acceptable for less rigorous laboratory use of nanoparticles or serve as a quick means for testing the influence of minor alterations to known synthetic protocols. This work aims to show that nanoparticle synthesis can (and should) become a regular occurrence, even in non-specialized labs, facilitating research into their new applications and inspiring outside-the-box solutions, while discussing the drawbacks of a more relaxed synthetic regimen.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/13/14/3088Stöber silicananoparticlessize determinationUV-Vis spectrophotometrymethod refinement |
| spellingShingle | Łukasz Tabisz Jerzy Stanek Bogusława Łęska “DIY” Silica Nanoparticles: Exploring the Scope of a Simplified Synthetic Procedure and Absorbance-Based Diameter Measurements Materials Stöber silica nanoparticles size determination UV-Vis spectrophotometry method refinement |
| title | “DIY” Silica Nanoparticles: Exploring the Scope of a Simplified Synthetic Procedure and Absorbance-Based Diameter Measurements |
| title_full | “DIY” Silica Nanoparticles: Exploring the Scope of a Simplified Synthetic Procedure and Absorbance-Based Diameter Measurements |
| title_fullStr | “DIY” Silica Nanoparticles: Exploring the Scope of a Simplified Synthetic Procedure and Absorbance-Based Diameter Measurements |
| title_full_unstemmed | “DIY” Silica Nanoparticles: Exploring the Scope of a Simplified Synthetic Procedure and Absorbance-Based Diameter Measurements |
| title_short | “DIY” Silica Nanoparticles: Exploring the Scope of a Simplified Synthetic Procedure and Absorbance-Based Diameter Measurements |
| title_sort | diy silica nanoparticles exploring the scope of a simplified synthetic procedure and absorbance based diameter measurements |
| topic | Stöber silica nanoparticles size determination UV-Vis spectrophotometry method refinement |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/13/14/3088 |
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