Effects of Synthesis Parameters towards Morphology and Physical
Characteristics of Silica Materials
Saman N.*, Johari K.*, and Mat H.B.*
*Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Research Group,
Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering,
Institute Ibnu Sina Fundamental Science Studies,
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Skudai,
Johor, MALAYSIA.
Email: hbmat@fkkksa.utm.my
Abstract
The effects of synthesis parameters towards silica morphology and characteristics were
investigated. Experimentally, silica materials are prepared by sol-gel synthesis under
various conditions. The controls of silicas morphology are very much depending on
molar ratio of water/ alcohol, catalysts, solvents, silica precursor and stirring speed.
These parameters will result on different silica shapes either in spherical, fiber like,
monolith, powder or thin film. The silica physical characteristics like pore size
distribution, particle size distribution, surface area, and pore volume are also affected by
these synthesis parameters. This paper presents the synthesis conditions that required for
preparing silica materials to ensure their applicability as an adsorbent for heavy metals
removal from waste streams.
Keywords: Silica materials; sol-gel synthesis; morphology; silica characteristics