Tailoring microstructure of silica xerogels via a facile synthesis approach

Silica xerogels of tailored microstructure were prepared via a facile synthesis approach. this approach entails the preparation of silica nanoparticles using the sol-gel method under the influence of low frequency ultra-sonication. by applying optimum synthesis conditions,silica nanoparticles of tailored mean sizes in the form of silica sol type b (158.3 ± 14.1 nm),and silica sol type m (83.1 ± 22.5 nm) were successfully synthesized. the various mean particle sizes were then mixed in predetermined molar ratios,and subsequently gelation under controlled conditions. the effect of adding polyvinyl pyrrolidone (pvp) as a polymeric surfactant on the microstructure of silica xerogels was also investigated.