AERO-SOL-GEL SYNTHESIS OF NANOSTRUCTURED SILICA POWDERS

Nanostructured silica powders are synthesized by a nonpyrolytic, room- temperature aerosol-gel process. Hydrolysis and condensation of tetrae thoxysilane (TEOS) and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) precursors produce na nosized silica powders that have specific surface areas greater than 4 00 m(2)/g. This paper reports on a novel synthetic approach and charac terization of the morphology, particle growth process, surface area, a nd chemical composition using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), N-2 adsorption, and elemental analysis. Structural models for the morphol ogy and growth process of the silica particles are suggested. The effe cts of reactant-temperature and powder sintering on the specific surfa ce area of silica are discussed.