Layered sodium disilicates as precursors of mesoporous silicas. Part I: Optimisation of the synthesis procedure of δ-Na2Si 2O5 and α-Na2Si2O5

Abstract

Optimization of the synthetic procedures described in literature aimed at preparing pure δ-Na2Si2O5 has been carried out. The results show that a substantial shortening of the calcination time of amorphous silicate precursor is required, in order to minimize the appearance of the thermodynamically stable α-Na2Si 2O5. The use of commercial water glass solution rather than freshly synthesized silica/NaOH slurry is the preferred source of the starting amorphous silicate. Optimized preparative routes for synthesis of single-phase δ-Na2Si2O5 and α-Na2Si2O5 have been described.