Editorial Feature

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) Nanoparticles – Properties & Applications

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Silicon dioxide nanoparticles, also known as silica nanoparticles or nano-silica, are the basis for a great deal of biomedical research due to their stability, low toxicity and ability to be functionalized with a range of molecules and polymers.

Nano-silica particles are divided into P-type and S-type according to their structure. The P-type particles are characterized by numerous nanopores, which have a pore rate of 0.61 ml/g and exhibit a higher ultraviolet reflectivity compared to the S-type; the latter also has a comparatively smaller surface area.

Chemical Properties

Chemical Data

Chemical symbol SiO2
CAS No 7631-86-9
Group Silicon 14
Oxygen 16
Electronic configuration Silicon [Ne] 3s2 3p2
Oxygen [He] 2s2 2p4

Chemical Composition

Element

Content (%)

Silicon 46.83
Oxygen 53.33

Physical Properties

Silicon dioxide nanoparticles appear in the form of a white powder. The table below provides the physical properties of these nanoparticles.

Properties

Metric

Imperial

Density 2.4 g/cm3 0.086 lb/in3
Molar Mass 59.96 g/mol -

Thermal Properties

Properties Metric Imperial
Melting Point 1600°C 2912°F
Boling Point 2230°C 4046°F

Applications

The chief applications of silica nanoparticles are as an additive for the manufacture of rubber and plastics; as a strengthening filler for concrete and other construction composites; and as a stable, non-toxic platform for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and theranostics.

This article was updated on the 11th September, 2019.

Comments

  1. Daniel E. Martinez Daniel E. Martinez Mexico says:

    This type of nanoparticles, still has the piezoelctric property

  2. hassan javid hassan javid Islamic Republic of Pakistan says:

    is nano silica harmful as nanofluid in machining setup?

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of AZoNano.com.

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