Well Ordered structure formation of organically modified silica particles using a self-assembly process

Monodispersed, multi-functional organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) particles were prepared by simple one pot synthesis. The size and functionalities of the ORMOSIL particles were controlled by changing the reaction conditions such as the temperature, reaction time, and type of silane monomer. Using the surface modification reaction of glutaric anhydrides with amine groups on ORMOSIL particles, a new type of organic functional group, the carboxylic acid group, was introduced to provide additional functionalities for further modification. Well-ordered structures of ORMOSIL particles were constructed by either 3-dimentional self-assembly between two ORMOSIL particles with different sizes and functionalities or selective binding of ORMOSIL particles with multiple functional groups to a patterned surface.