The reagents used for
the synthesis of silica microspheres including tetraethyl orthosilicate
(TEOS, 98%) and ammonium hydroxide (28%) are purchased
from Sigma–Aldrich. Ethanol (200-proof) is obtained from Decon
Labs. (tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2,-tetrahydrooctyl)-trichlorosilane (97%)
used for surface modification and ethylene glycol (99%) are obtained
from Alfa Aesar