We present a Blunt Wraps protocol for a facile orientation specific deposition of plate-like mesoporous SBA-15 silica particles onto a surface (mesopores oriented normal to surface).A drop of an aqueous dispersion of particles is placed on the surface and water vaporizes under controlled relative humidity.Three requirements are essential for uniform coverage: particle dispersion should not contain aggregates, a weak attraction between particles and surface is needed, and evaporation rate should be low.Aggregates are removed by stirring/sonication.
Weak attraction is realized by introducing cationic groups to the surface.Insight into Snap Caps the mechanisms of the so-called coffee stain effect is also provided.