For preparation of a polymeric silica sol with minimized dense particles using tetraethyl orthosilicate $($TEOS$)$ as the precursor, which of the following should not be used for the hydrolysis and condensation $($chain lengthening$)$ process? $q,$

Intense mixing to ensure reaction uniformity.

A base catalyst.

an operation temperature that makes the process diffusion$-$limited$.$

An acid catalyst.