Synthesis and Characterization of Coral-Like Micronano-SiO₂

Abstract

Coral-like micro/nano-SiO2 with porous coral-like and coral-like reefs ( consisting of soft coral-like, hard coral-like and branch coral-like) morphologies were synthesized by using the hydrothermal method without any metallic catalysts. The morphologies of coral-like micro/nano-SiO2 are dependent on process parameters so that coral-like micro/nano-SiO2 formed in different process parameters has different morphologies. These morphologies have fractal feature. The possible growth mechanisms are discussed.