Methods of forming a silica-containing products are disclosed. One method comprises: (a) providing a silica containing precursor (SCP) contained in solution that has a pH less than or equal to a pH of 7; (b) optionally doping the SCP with one or more metal species; (d) adding an effective amount of salt to the solution so that the conductivity of the solution is greater than or equal to 4 mS; (e) optionally filtering and drying the SCP; and (f) optionally reacting the dried product from step e with a functional group. Another method comprises: (a) providing a silica containing precursor (SCP) contained in solution that has a pH greater than 7; (b) adjusting the pH of the solution to less than or equal to 7; (c) optionally doping the SCP with one or more metal species; (d) adjusting the pH of the solution to greater than 7; and (e) adding an effective amount of salt to the solution so that the conductivity of the solution is greater than or equal to 4 mS; (f) optionally filtering and drying the SCP. The SCP is then added to a hygroscopic solid such that the resulting product comprises a metal oxide-doped or metal sulfide-doped silica-containing product deposited on a substrate selected from hydrated alkaline earth oxide, lanthanide oxide, and combinations thereof.