posted on 2022-08-08, 14:07authored byYinsong Si, Taoqing Huang, Huiqi Xie, Min Chen
Artificial brochosome-shaped microspheres closely mimicking
natural
brochosomes are highly desired however challenging to synthesize.
Herein silica brochosome-shaped microspheres (SiO2 BMs)
are successfully synthesized by simply adjusting the NH4OH/p-xylene ratio. The obtained BMs, with a diameter
of 530 nm and highly accessible open pores of ∼130 nm, demonstrate
high similarity to natural brochosomes in size, shape, and pores geometry.
A mechanism of droplets assembly originating from the surface charge
transformation of the emulsion droplets is proposed by carefully investigating
the in situ dynamic evolution of BMs intermediates. The priority growth
of primary particles at the interface of the adjusting droplets forms
the pores wall of BMs with regular distribution. Benefiting from the
unique structure, the SiO2 BMs show excellent antiadhesion
(superhydrophobic) and antireflection (at least 70% reduction for
vertical reflection), indicating the high functional similarity to
natural brochosomes. The synthesized BMs demonstrate sufficient load
capacity, suggesting great potential in energy conversion and biomedical
applications.