Mesostructured SiO2-based nanocontainers synthesized on a functional template: Capacity and rate of unloading

Abstract

A new approach to template synthesis of mesostructured pH-sensitive SiO₂ nanocontainers is developed. The approach combines the stages of synthesis of the nanocontainers and their loading with a targeted functional substance. The structure, capacity, and the rate of “unloading” of the nanocontainers at different pH values of an aqueous medium under static and quasi-dynamic conditions are studied using mesoporous SiO₂ nanoparticles as a model. Nanoparticles are synthesized using the micelles of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as templates. Based on the obtained information, a mechanism is proposed for release of cetyltrimethylammonium cations from SiO₂ nanocontainers into the aqueous medium.