Synthesis and Characterization of Ga Doped SiO2 Nanoparticles by a Reverse Micelle and Sol–Gel Processing

Ga doped SiO2 nanosized particles have been synthesized using a reverse micelle technique combined with metal alkoxide hydrolysis and condensation. The size of the particles and the thickness of the coating can be controlled by manipulating the relative rates of the hydrolysis and condensation reactions of tetraethyl orthosilicate(TEOS) within the micro-emulsion. The average size of synthesized Ga doped SiO2 nanoparticles were about in the size range of 10-15 nm and Ga particles 2-5 nm. The effects of synthesis parameters, such as the molar ratio of water to TEOS, and the molar ratio of water to surfactant, are discussed.