In general nano-sized silica powders are synthesized using the Stber method. A system of chemical reactions has been developed which permits the controlled growth of spherical silica particles of a uniform size by the hydrolysis of alkyl silicates and subsequent condensation of silicic acid in alcoholic solutions. In this study nano silica powders were synthesized using a low cost sodium silicate instead of high cost alkoxide or organo-metallic compound. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr) was used as an additive to control the particle shape and produce a large surface area. The particle shape and specific surface area were controlled with various molar ratios of CTABr, ethyl acetate, DI water and water glass. The nano silica powders were characterized using BET(Brunauer, Emmett & Teller, specific surface area, powder pore size and distribution), and a scanning electron microscope.

Keywords: Silica, powder, synthesis, sol-gel, surfactant, SiO2, Sodium silicate solution.