Hollow Silica Spheres with an Ordered Pore Structure and Their Application in Controlled Release Studies

Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of hollow silica spheres with a narrow size distribution, uniform wall thickness, and a worm‐like pore structure. The formation of these spheres was monitored by confocal laser scanning microscopy and dynamic light scattering. A model for the molecular build‐up of these silica hollow spheres is derived from these data in combination with studies of the as‐made particles by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, pore size analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance. We further demonstrate that these spheres can be used for the encapsulation and subsequent release of different dye molecules.