
Stöber process
The Stöber process is a chemical method used to produce uniform silica (silicon dioxide) particles. Developed by Rudolf Stöber in 1968, this process involves hydrolyzing silicon alkoxides in a controlled environment, often using water and alcohol. By carefully adjusting the reaction conditions, such as temperature and concentration, researchers can create silica particles of various sizes, typically ranging from nanometers to micrometers. These particles are widely used in fields like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and electronics due to their unique properties, including high surface area and porosity, which make them valuable for drug delivery and as additives.