Synthesis of Orange Colored Silica gel based on Rice Husk Ash by Using Iron Salt Indicator

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Tarbiat Modares University, Chemical Engineering Faculty

2 Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Buein Zahra Technical University, Buein Zahra

3 Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University

Abstract

Activated carbon, zeolite and silica gel are types of solid adsorbents that are used in the process of adsorption for separation. Silica gel is unique by having the ability to be colored and as a result change color due to the adsorption of moisture. Furthermore, the use of natural raw materials such as sugarcane bagasse ash, rice husk ash, coconut shell, as raw materials produces environmentally friendly adsorbents. In this study, for the purpose of silica gel synthesis, sodium silicate extracted from rice husk ash (RHA) was used as the primary source. Then, the obtained silica gel turned orange by using iron (ⅠⅠⅠ) chloride and ammonium iron (ⅠⅠ) sulfate salts because they are safe. The amount of color change in orange silica gel obtained from two different sources was evaluated and iron (ⅠⅠⅠ) chloride salt appeared as the optimal choice. The XRD analysis revealed a well-defined amorphous structure in both samples. Notably, the XRD spectrum did not indicate the presence of iron chloride due to its low concentration. FE-SEM showed a homogeneous distribution of particle size and color on the surface of the silica gel, indicative of the proper dispersion of iron (III) chloride salt. Additionally, BET analysis showed that the surface area of samples increased with rising aging time. The surface area of the RHA-based silica gel was found to be lower than the commercial one.

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Main Subjects

Journal of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 September 2024

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 March 2024
  • Revise Date: 18 June 2024
  • Accept Date: 12 July 2024

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