Synthesis and size characterization of silica nanospheres using sedimentation field-flow fractionation (SdFFF).

Silica nanoparticles were synthesized by a conventional emulsion polymerization by mixing ethanol, ammonium hydroxide, water and tetra ethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). A new reaction apparatus was assembled for a large scale synthesis of silica nanospheres in the laboratory, which was designed for uniform mixing of the reactants. The apparatus was equipped with a disc type agitator with six rectangular propellers.