Optical and Geometric Properties of Free Silica Nanoparticles Studied by Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering

Abstract

Abstract Elastic small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) of free silica (SiO2) nanoparticles is reported (d = 100–180 nm). The particles were prepared by a modified Stöber synthesis in narrow size distributions with controlled surface roughness and functionalization. Angle-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering patterns are shown to be sensitive to these changes in particle properties. It is reported that there is an exponential decrease in scattered X-ray intensity towards larger scattering angles as well as distinct oscillations, which is fully explained by Mie theory. Small-angle X-ray scattering of mesoporous nanoparticles with rough surfaces is compared to that of microporous nanoparticles with smooth surfaces, revealing distinct differences that are rationalized by diffuse scattering from nanoparticle pores in addition to the dominating contribution of Mie scattering. Furthermore, results from small-angle X-ray scattering experiments on functionalized silica nanoparticles are presented, where the incorporation of the dye fluorescein isothiocyanate is found to cause changes in the optical properties of the nanoparticles, as compared to non-functionalized samples. Small, but distinct deviations in particle size derived from electron microscopy and from small-angle X-ray scattering are observed. These are rationalized by particle shrinking occurring in electron microscopy as well as slight changes in optical properties of the nanoparticle samples.