Abstract
New mesoporous nano-silica with special physicochemical properties was successfully produced from silica-rich rocks using alkaline-based chemical treatment and low temperature. Pumice is a high quality silica-rich rock and used as raw material. An experimental design based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM) combined to Central Composite Design (CCD) was chosen to model and optimize the process parameters using three major independent variables that affect the production yield of nano-silica (reaction temperature, reaction time and molar ratio (n = nNaOH/nSilica). From analysis of variance (ANOVA), the three chosen variables were recognized as the influential factors for the silica production yield. The mesoporous nano-silica produced under optimum reaction conditions was characterized by various techniques. The chemical composition of nano-silica products is confirmed by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and the amorphous nature by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The microstructural analysis reveals that the nano-silica exhibits a mesoporous structure with an average pore diameter around 5.5 nm and an irregular distribution of nanoparticles as agglomerated clusters with an average value of 8 nm and very high specific surface area (422 m2 g−1) compared to the conventional silica (257 m2 g−1). The mesoporous nano-silica obtained here is economically inexpensive by comparison with other existing methods.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
