A novel green approach for the chemical modification of silica particles based on deep eutectic solventsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5cc02553b

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), as a novel class of green solvents, were successfully applied as eco-friendly and sustainable reaction media for fast surface modification of spherical porous silica, resulting in stationary phases for high-performance liquid chromatography. The new reaction media were advantageous over organic solvents in many aspects, such as the high dispersibility of silica spheres and their non-volatility. A new green synthetic method was developed for the chemical modification of silica materials based on the high dispersibility of silica spheres in DESs and non-volatility of DESs.