Investigation on synthesis of spheres-on-sphere silica particles and their assessment for high performance liquid chromatography applications

► One-pot synthesis of spheres-on-sphere (SOS) silica microspheres. ► Homogenization produces smaller and monodisperse SOS particles. ► Microwave-assisted synthesis at 40 °C forms the SOS particles in 5 min. ► The SOS particles exhibit solid-core porous-shell property. ► Fast and efficient HPLC separation with low back pressures under various conditions.