Hollow silica spheres with an ordered pore structure and their application in controlled release studies

Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of hollow silica spheres with a narrow size distribution, uniform wall thickness, and a wormlike pore structure. The formation of these spheres was monitored by confocal laser scanning microscopy and dynamic light scattering. A model for the molecular build-up of these silica hollow spheres is derived from these data in combination with studies of the as-made particles by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, pore size analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance. We further demonstrate that these spheres can be used for the encapsulation and subsequent release of different dye molecules.