Synthesis of size-controlled and highly monodispersed silica nanoparticles using a short alkyl-chain fluorinated surfactant.

Highly monodispersed silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) were synthesised using a fluorinated surfactant, HOCH 2 CH(CF 3 )CO 2 H, and its efficiency was compared with efficiencies of five other surfactants. The size of the SiNPs (∼50-200 nm) was controlled by controlling the surfactant amount. The short alkyl-chain fluoro surfactant was found to be more efficient at producing monodispersed SiNPs than its long alkyl-chain fluoro or non-fluorinated surfactant counterparts.