The structure of hydrated copper-silicate gels, an analogue compound for natural chrysocolla

Abstract

Copper silicate hydrates have been prepared by sol-gel method using stock solutions with different Cu/Si molar ratios. The synthetic gels were characterized by means of ICP-AES, TG-DTA, XRD, and EXAFS. Copper silicate hydrate gel having the chrysocolla-like structure was successfully formed in the gel samples prepared from every solution with different Cu/Si molar ratios. The local structure of chrysocolla is readily realized in the copper silicate gels regardless of the Cu/Si mol ratio involved.