Modification of colloidal particles by unidirectional silica deposition for urchin-like morphologies

Through hydrolysis of silica precursor in an emulsion system, colloidal particles were modified by the unidirectional growth of silica rods on their surfaces, resulting in urchin-like morphologies. This strategy can be applied to various types of seed particles with different shapes and materials. The morphology of the silica rods can also be tuned.