Abstract
Nanosize $SiO_2$composite particles have been synthesized within reverse micelle via metal alkoxide hydrolysis and condensation. The size of the particles can be controlled by manipulating the relative rates of the hydrolysis and condensation reactions of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) within the microemulsion. The average size of synthesized particles was about in the size range 14~30nm. The effects of synthesis parameters, such as the molar ratio of water to TEOS, the molar ratio of water to surfactant, and the amount of base catalyst, are discussed.