Light-driven synthesis of uniform dandelion-like mesoporous silica nanoflowers with tunable surface area for carbon dioxide uptake

Abstract

Nanoscale porous silica materials with accessible surface area are fascinating because of their unique properties and widespread application. Here, we report the synthesis of nanoscale flowery architecture of silica with precise control over their size and morphology using a green chemistry approach based on the light-assisted hydrolysis route. Monodispersed porous silica nanoflowers resemble dandelion flower-like morphology, having accessible large surface area of 705 m2 g−1. Tuning the surface chemistry of silica nanoflowers, we have altered their chemico-physical properties using different viable amines; eventually new adsorbents emerge out to be explored for CO2 adsorption. The efficiency for CO2 capture together with long term durability of these silica nanoflowers has been ascribed by their repetitive use. Owing to the unique morphology of the amine loaded nanoflowers, the accessible adequate active adsorption sites facilitate the adsorbent-adsorbate interaction, resulting in fast adsorption kinetics. Our strategy may supersede existing procedures in terms of simplicity of the reaction route together with monodispersity and reproducibility of the silica nanomaterials. The proposed method provides a new environmental friendly way for the production of silica nanoflowers for diverse applications.