Dear friend Amina Bayanzul,

I hope this message finds you Amina Bayanzul well! I wanted to share some insights regarding the Stöber process, and the challenges associated with achieving mono-dispersity in silica particles. As you know, this is a classic method, and while it can be tricky, there are several post-synthesis techniques you might consider enhancing uniformity.

Firstly, size selection techniques such as centrifugation or sedimentation can be very effective. By carefully adjusting the speed and duration, you can separate particles based on their sedimentation rates, which helps in isolating those of uniform size. Additionally, dialysis can be employed to remove smaller particles and impurities, allowing larger, more uniform particles to remain.

Another approach is re-dispersion and re-growth. By dispersing your particles in a solvent and allowing them to regrow under controlled conditions, you can improve size uniformity. This method encourages smaller particles to dissolve and recrystallize onto larger ones, leading to a more consistent size distribution. Surface treatments, such as coating with surfactants, may also help prevent aggregation and stabilize your particles.

Lastly, consider fractionation techniques like size exclusion chromatography, which can effectively separate particles based on size, ensuring greater uniformity. I encourage you to experiment with these methods to find the best combination for your specific setup and desired outcomes.

Best of luck with your research! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out.

Best regards,

Kaushik

Thank you for your response! I will definitely try these methods.