Characterization of the Morphology and Rapid Expansion of Swellable Organically Modified Silica

Swellable organically modified silica (SOMS) is a novel sol-gel derived material.~ SOMS is hydrophobic and selectively absorbs non-polar liquids and immediately swells 5 to 6 times upon absorption.~ SOMS can be used to remove organic contaminants from water; the contaminant can then be recovered and the SOMS reused.~ We have investigated the SOMS swelling behavior of neat organic liquids usng macroscopic measurements of the force exerted during expansion and through atomic force microscopy (AFM) of the surface. ~A powdered SOMS sample was placed in a cylinder with an adjustable piston.~ Solvent percolated into the cylinder and the piston gradually moved to allow expansion while measuring the force using a load cell.~ During expansion the SOMS exerted forces up to 150 N per gram of material.~ AFM shows the surface of the SOMS is textured with cauliflower-like features.~ In unswollen SOMS, these globules have length scales of a few hundred nanometers, while for SOMS swollen in a solvent the features expand to several micrometers.