Synthesis of Silica Spherical to Y-Shape Nanoparticles: A Review with Surface Modifications and Its Characterization

This study deals with the different shape and sizes of silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) ranging from a typical sphere to Y-shape to core-shell. The particles have been categorized as three i.e., mesoporous, macroporous and core-shell. Stober process has played a great role in the fabrication of SiO2 NPs and by varying parameters like surfactant, solvent, pH, templating techniques, water to surfactant ratio, surfactant to co-surfactant ratio etc., the morphology was observed to change. The modified SiO2 NPs obtained were spherical and changed to rod shape and then to Y-shape with change in concentration of alcohol. The effect of above reaction parameters has been investigated on size and shape of NPs which is further discussed in review. SiO2 NPs in form of composites are widely used in the field of bio-sensing, adsorbents, water treatment, drug delivery etc. This review article aims to present different shapes of SiO2 NPs and discuss its application as an adsorbent for water remediation techniques.