Rational Synthesis of Monodisperse Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres for Selective Adsorption

Graphical The unique amino functionalized hollow mesoporous silica nanospheres are successfully synthesized via novel one-step dual-template synthetic approach and display excellent selective adsorption for anionic dye molecules. Monodisperse hollow mesoporous silica nanospheres with large cavity (62 nm) in the inner core, small mesopores in the outer shell, and high specific surface area of 373 m 2 /g are successfully synthesized via one-step dual-template synthetic approach utilizing dodecyl sulfobetaine and sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate as double templates. The architectures including particles sizes, outer shell thickness, and hollow structure could be effective regulated by simple adjusting the volume proportion of alcohols in the solution. Besides, the functions of alcohols in determining the critical micelle concentration and polarity of the synthesis system are elaborated. Owing to introduction of amino active sites in the outer shell, the prepared hollow mesoporous silica nanospheres deliver high loading capacity and favorable selectivity towards anionic dye molecules. The maximum uptake amount for methyl orange and eosin Y reaches as high as 359 mg/g and 332 mg/g, respectively.