Figure 2.

(A) Schematic of n-propyltrimethoxy silane (nPM) and 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl trimethoxy silane (3F) silane sol-gel reaction in aqueous solution catalyzed by weak acid. (B) Turbiscan height profile of reaction tube monitors the depletion of neat silane through hydrolysis and subsequent particle formation (sol) through condensation-induced turbidity. Reaction conditions can be tuned to favor completion of hydrolysis prior to the onset of condensation. Continuous scanning of the reaction tube provides transmission changes at defined height and time intervals.