Multiply Shaped Silica Mediated by Aggregates of Linear Poly(ethyleneimine)

Abstract

A new method for biomimetic silica fabrication is reported. Organized poly(ethyleneimine) rapidly catalyzes and directs the shape of silica in the hydrolysis of tetramethoxysilane under ambient conditions. The resultant silica displays a diversity of controllable morphologies, such as flower, plate, bundle, leaf, and sphere (see Figure, scale bar represents 1 μm). Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2089/2005/c1670_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.