Chemical reaction kinetics leading to the first Stober silica nanoparticles – NMR and SAXS investigation

29Si-NMR and 13C-NMR were used in methanol and ethanol to monitor the intermediates or hydrolyzed monomers that lead to the formation of the first primary particles as detected by small angle X-ray scattering. This identification was facilitated by using initial NH3 and H2O levels at the lower end of those experienced in Stober synthesis to slow the reaction kinetics. We found that [NH3] and [H2O] control the balance between hydrolysis of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and the condensation of its hydrolyzed monomers. Transesterification between methanol and TEOS did occur; however, it was negligible compared to the production of hydrolyzed intermediates. The first nanostructures appear at a hydrolyzed monomer concentration around 0.1 M, indicating that formation of the primary structures is thermodynamically controlled by a supersaturation of the intermediate species. Differences in particle size between methanol and ethanol are attributed to thermodynamic interactions between the solvent and the hydrolyzed intermediates.