Formation mechanism of spherical oxide particles containing dye

2-[3-(1,3-dihydro-1,3,3-trimethyl-2H-indol-2-ylidine)-1-propenyl]-1,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indolium idoide (HICI) dye-doped SiO2 particles were synthesized by sol-gel method. Dimension, diameter, distribution, and homogeneity of the particles are closely related to the positively charged dye concentration, corresponding to the zeta potential of the particles. When the dye concentration reaches about 7.8 x 10(-4) mol/mol SiO2, corresponding to the isoelectric point of the particles, the maximum particle size and the most homogeneity can be reached.