following materials
and chemicals were used: n-octadecyltrimethoxysilane
(OTMOS, C21H46O3Si, Gelest), silica
nanoparticles (Fiber Optic Center Inc.), n-decane
(n-C10H22, Sigma-Aldrich, anhydrous,
≥99%), deionized water, ethanol (C2H5OH, Sigma-Aldrich, ACS reagent, ≥99.5%), ammonium hydroxide
solution (NH3 in H2O, Aristar, ACS reagent,
28–30 wt %), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, Sylgard 184, Dow Corning),
gelatin (from porcine skin, type A, Sigma-Aldrich), cyclopentane (C5H10, Sigma-Aldrich, reagent grade, ≥98%),
sodium chloride (NaCl, Sigma-Aldrich, ACS reagent, ≥99%), and
methane/ethane gas mixture (75/25 mol %, General Air).