Abstract
Method for modifying the morphology of silica particles derived from sodium metasilicate
Author(s): Enobong R.Essien, Oluyemi Olaniyi, Luqman A.Adams, Rafiu O.Shaibu, Tony ChukwuParticle size, pore size, surface area as well as the morphology of silica particles prepared fromsodium metasilicate have been modified using two acid catalysts. Gel formation was obtained at ambient conditions using HCl and H2SO4. The obtained particles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and mathematical techniques. The results showed amorphous silica particles were successfully formed. XRD investigation revealed that the materials contained amorphous SiO2, while SEM results indicated that different porous morphologies were obtained from the two different acid catalysts.
