Effect of Inorganic Ions on Gelation, Particle Morphology, and Texture of Solo-Gel-Derived Silica Nanospheres

Abstract

The gelation process is of importance for the structure and texture of the silica particle and further functionalization in the area of biomedical application. In a base-catalysis process the sodium phosphate or plus calcium nitrate salts could be added to induce the gelling velocity and particle size distribution. Multivalent anions (phosphate ions) or dication (calcium ions) induce the microscopic phase separation and accelerate gelation of silica sol. Furthermore, the composite silica nanospheres show excellent monodispersibility as well as pH-stability in the simulated body fluids or Tris-HCl buffer solution, which will help to surface modification and functionalization in the biomolecule-existing environments.