Abstract: The present invention relates to mesoporous silica particles functionalized with at least one group having an acidic functionality and/or at least one group having a hydrophobic functionality anchored to the silica by means of a silicon-oxygen bond. The acidic functionality is preferably an alkyl group bearing a group selected from —SO3H, —COOH, —PO(OH)2. The hydrophobic functionality is preferably a saturated, linear alkyl group. The invention also relates to the use of the mesoporous silica particles for the removal of proteins from and/or the reduction of the concentration of several metals in a beverage having a pH lower than 4, preferably wine, beer, cider, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is the preparation, through a sol-gel method, of a tungsten oxide (WO3)-based colloidal paste that allows providing transparent films on conductive glasses in an easy and cost-effective manner. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a substrate coated with at least one thick layer of tungsten oxide, comprising at least one step of coating said substrate with a colloidal solution of tungsten oxide obtained with the sol-gel method, said colloidal solution being additioned with a thickener and a surfactant.