Silikakestade

Silikakestade, often referred to as silica shells or hollow silica spheres, are a class of materials characterized by their spherical structure with a void space enclosed by a silica shell. These particles are typically synthesized through sol-gel methods, often employing a template-mediated approach. Common templating agents include polymer latex spheres, such as polystyrene, which are coated with a silica precursor. The organic template is subsequently removed, usually by calcination, leaving behind the hollow silica sphere. The size of these silikakestade can range from tens of nanometers to several micrometers, and the shell thickness is also controllable during the synthesis process.

The hollow nature of silikakestade imparts unique properties, such as low density and a high surface area to volume ratio. These characteristics make them attractive for a variety of applications. In drug delivery, the hollow interior can encapsulate therapeutic agents, offering controlled release mechanisms. Their low density also makes them suitable as lightweight fillers in composite materials, potentially improving mechanical properties without significantly increasing weight. Furthermore, silikakestade have been investigated for their use in catalysis, as supports for catalytic nanoparticles, and in optical applications due to their potential for light scattering and photonic crystal formation. The tunable porosity and surface chemistry of silikakestade also allow for customization for specific functionalities.