Biomimetic Synthesis of Silica with Chitosan‐Mediated Morphology

Abstract

Spherical, tabular, unique carambola-like shaped silica particles (see figure) are produced by the mediation of chitosan, a natural polyelectrolyte with abundant hydroxyl and amino groups. The silica morphology depends on the incubation time of the chitosan solution with phosphate ions before silicification. A sheet of the carambola-like silica made in this way has a granular surface, which inspires an “assembly–aggregation–silicification” model. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2296/2008/smll200700917_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.