Ask an Expert! Ambient-temperature porogen-free method for preparation of silica-based macroporous materials

This work is describing the preparation, characterization and application of silica-based macroporous aggregates composed of silica nanoparticles (NPs) using template-free method at ambient temperature. The proposed method is performed in a liquid phase, where aggregation and functionalization take place using silica-based precursors in a single step process. The used precursor induces interconnection of individual particles, thus increases the strength of the prepared aggregates, and if required, modifies their surface.

The prepared material is ready to use for a broad range of applications including separation of various molecules or enzyme immobilization and does not require any additional functionalization step.

In addition, the final size of the prepared fractal aggregates can be easily controlled by changing the stirring speed and amount of used silica precursor during synthesis. Pore size distribution, porosity and surface area of modified aggregates are easily adjustable by using primary particles of various sizes. As a result, developed porous material is capable to protect long-term enzyme activity and thus demonstrates potential application of the prepared aggregates.