The process comprises delivering a spray solution comprising at least one solute in a solvent to a spray-drying apparatus, using a flash nozzle to atomize the spray solution into droplets within the spray-drying apparatus to remove at least a portion of the solvent from the droplets to form a plurality of particles, and collecting the particles. The spray solution is directed to a heat exchanger, thereby increasing the temperature of the spray solution to a temperature T2, wherein T2 is greater than T1. The flash nozzle comprises a central tube through which the spray solution is delivered and an outer tube through which a sweep gas is delivered. The central tube may have a first outer diameter at an inlet and a second outer diameter at an outlet, wherein the first outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter.