Synthesis and Application of Hollow Nanostructured Silica

Abstract

Hollow silica nanostructures have been the subject of widespread research over the past decades. In recent years, hollow silica nanostructures have been the focus of numerous studies involving synthesis, characterisation, and applications. Synthesis of an impressive range of hollow structured silica with varied morphologies has been reported. This book chapter focuses primarily on developments in synthesis and applications of hollow nanostructured silica (HNS) with sizes in the range of 10 nm to 10 μm, with emphasis on the synthesis method, special morphologies, and catalytic and biomedical applications. It is organised into three parts. The first part discusses various synthetic approaches for HNS. The second part highlights a number of hollow silica spheres with special morphologies. Rattle-type hollow silica and diatom-like hollow silica are selected as examples. The key applications of HNS in biomedicine and catalysis are described. We close with a survey of our recent research in this area and some personal opinions on the future development of these fantastic hollow structural materials.