Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Nanosilicates from Kenyan Indigenous Microporous Clay

Authors

  • Mohamed Hussein Omar Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.o. Box 30197, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Njagi Njomo Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.o. Box 30197, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Amir O. Yusuf Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.o. Box 30197, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Immaculate Michira Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.o. Box 30197, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Shadrack koech Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.o. Box 30197, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Hardforce Matena Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.o. Box 30197, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Fanelwa Ajayi Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape (UWC), Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535-Republic of South Africa.
  • Takalani mulaudzi Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape (UWC), Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535-Republic of South Africa.

Keywords:

Sodium nanosilicates, Microporous clay, thermal calcination, Base extraction

Abstract

This study reports the synthesis of novel sodium nanosilicates extracted from locally available Kenyan clay. The synthetic method involved thermal calcination of the clay at 1000 0C followed by alkaline extraction with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 75 0C. The calcination temperature of 1000 0C was ideal for enhancing the conversion of silica components and decreasing the alumina components by making them soluble in the extracting base. Different concentrations of extraction medium (NaOH) were evaluated. The clay and the synthesized nanosilicates were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Field emission scanning, and transmission electron microscopy (FESEM & FETEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).  20% (w/v) NaOH was found to be the most appropriate concentration as revealed by XRF and EDS data which showed better silica content.  

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Published

2022-04-14

How to Cite

Mohamed Hussein Omar, Njagi Njomo, Amir O. Yusuf, Immaculate Michira, Shadrack koech, Hardforce Matena, Fanelwa Ajayi, & Takalani mulaudzi. (2022). Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Nanosilicates from Kenyan Indigenous Microporous Clay . International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR), 62(1), 288–296. Retrieved from https://gssrr.org/index.php/JournalOfBasicAndApplied/article/view/13826

Issue

Vol. 62 No. 1 (2022)

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Articles

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