A method for the preparation of silicium dioxide dispersions is provided, wherein the surface of the silicium dioxide is modified by a treatment with the reaction products, formed in a separate reaction step, of at least one compound of trivalent aluminum or of tetravalent zirconium or a mixture thereof with at least one aminoorganosilane; and the invention also relates to recording sheets for ink jet printing having such a dispersion incorporated in an ink-receiving layer.