Hydrophobic silica: An innovation pioneer in the field of materials

1.A key breakthrough has been made in modification technology
Silica, as an important nanomaterial, has advantages such as high specific surface area and strong adsorption. However, its strong hydrophilicity limits its application in some fields. Recently, the research team has successfully developed an innovative modification technology that enables silica to transform from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Researchers used dimethyl carbonate (DMC) to subject silica to high-temperature treatment. During this process, DMC, relying on its own characteristics of being non-toxic, odorless, having low surface tension and high solubility, smoothly penetrates into the internal microporous structure of silica and combines with the surface of silica through chemical bonds, completing hydrophobic modification. After this modification, the silica not only retains its original high specific surface area and adsorption performance, but also significantly improves its hydrophobicity.

2. Applications in multiple fields show broad prospects
In the field of the environment, hydrophobic silica has emerged. It can be used as an efficient oil-water separation material. Based on its hydrophobic property, it can effectively repel water molecules in oily wastewater systems, quickly adsorb oil stains and make them form oil droplets. By controlling the dosage and particle size of silica, it can efficiently separate systems with different oil-water ratios, facilitating wastewater purification and resource reuse.
The field of materials science is also presented with new opportunities due to hydrophobic silica. When sprayed or coated on the surface of various materials, it can form a film with a micro-nano structure, endowing the materials with ultra-low surface energy and achieving a superhydrophobic self-cleaning effect. Water droplets on such a surface present a highly spherical shape. A gentle roll can carry away dust and dirt, greatly enhancing the practicality of the material.
In the field of biomedicine, the high adsorption capacity of hydrophobic silica makes it an ideal drug delivery carrier. It can effectively adsorb drugs and achieve precise controlled release in the body, providing a more effective means for disease treatment.

3. The commercialization process is accelerating
With the increasing maturity of hydrophobic silica technology, its commercial application is accelerating. Enterprises are increasing their investment, expanding production scale and reducing production costs one after another. Some enterprises have already applied hydrophobic silica to their products and launched new materials and products with functions such as water resistance, stain resistance and self-cleaning, which have received extensive attention and recognition from the market. In the future, with the continuous optimization of production processes and the further expansion of the market, hydrophobic silica is expected to achieve large-scale applications in more fields, bringing new growth momentum to related industries.

4. Experts look forward to future development
Experts in the field of materials science say that the emergence of hydrophobic silica is a major breakthrough in materials science and its application prospects are extremely broad. In the future, with the continuous in-depth research on this material, its performance will be constantly optimized and its application fields will be further expanded. In high-end fields such as energy, aerospace, and electronics, hydrophobic silica is expected to play a key role and become an important force driving the development of these industries, providing innovative material solutions for solving more practical problems.