Preparation of Monodisperse Silica Mesoporous Microspheres with Narrow Pore Size Distribution
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript numbered "polymers-3021640" is well written and presented in an appropriate manner. The subject of the manuscript aligns well with the journal's aims and scope.
The authors propose a new method for the preparation of monodisperse silica mesoporous particles with a narrow pore size distribution. These particles can be used for preparative chromatography due to their particle size of approximately 25 µm.
It should be noted that the manuscript lacks a discussion of the applicability of the proposed particles. Demonstrating the suitability of these particles for preparative purposes would be beneficial. This would not only advance the manuscript but also enhance its quality. Furthermore, the readers of the Polymers journal may be more inclined to engage with the manuscript following this application.
Author Response
Thank you very much for your constructive and valid comments, we have used silica microspheres as the stationary phase to fill the preparative liquid chromatography column, and the performance data of the preparative liquid chromatography column have been incorporated into section 3 of the manuscript.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe paper "Preparation of monodisperse silica mesoporous microspheres with narrow pore size distribution" reports an improved emulsion method to prepare monodisperse mesoporous silica particles with application in liquid chromatography filed.
In the Introduction section the authors highlighted the importance of the mesoporous silica particles in chromatography, motivating the choice of the emulsion method in the absence of templates and surfactants to produce monodisperse silica microspheres. Here, the advantages of the chosen method over the existing ones must be presented!
In section 2, in the synthesis process, the description is too general, several information are need: amounts of reagents (molar ratio), alkali-heating reaction (what it consists of), the washing process (the solvents volume, the ratio, the repeating trial) to ensure a reproducible method.
In section 3.1. it seems that the temperature and the speed of the rotary evaporation play a fundamental role.
Why DMF was chosen as a porogen agent? Some information are required!
In Fig. 1- a histogram with the particle size distribution is required!
-It is not clear how many samples have been prepared. A table containing all samples and which parameter was varied must be added.
-TEM images highlighting the mesopores must be added.
-A schematic representation of the process would be very helpful!
Section 4. The application in liquid chomatography of the prepare silica particles was not discussed, the reusability of the particles after separation processes also must be discussed even if at the perspective level.
Based on these considerations I recommend the publication of this paper after Major revision.
Author Response
Please see the attachment
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript has now reached the point where it is ready for publication in its current form.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors have responded to all the suggestions and the paper has been improved accordingly so it can be accepted.
