title: Hollow silica spheres with an ordered pore structure and their application in controlled release studies.
abstract: Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of hollow silica spheres with a narrow size distribution, uniform wall thickness, and a worm-like pore structure. The formation of these spheres was monitored by confocal laser scanning microscopy and dynamic light scattering. A model for the molecular build-up of these silica hollow spheres is derived from these data in combination with studies of the as-made particles by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, pore size analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance. We further demonstrate that these spheres can be used for the encapsulation and subsequent release of different dye molecules.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Nicole E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Botterhuis
authors.forename: Qianyao
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Pieter C M M
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Magusin
authors.forename: Rutger A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: van Santen
authors.forename: Nico A J M
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Sommerdijk