The size and polydispersity of silica nanoparticles under simulated hot spring conditions

Tobler, D.J., Benning, L.G. and Knapp, J. (2008) The size and polydispersity of silica nanoparticles under simulated hot spring conditions. Mineralogical Magazine, 72(1), pp. 287-290. (doi: 10.1180/minmag.2008.072.1.287)

Abstract

The nucleation and growth of silica nanoparticles in supersaturated geothermal waters was simulated using a flow-through geothermal simulator system. The effect of silica concentration ([SiO₂]), ionic strength (IS), temperature (T) and organic additives on the size and polydispersity of the forming silica nanoparticles was quantified. A decrease in temperature (58 to 33°C) and the addition of glucose restricted particle growth to sizes <20 nm, while varying [SiO₂] or ISdid not affect the size (30-35 nm) and polydispersity (±9 nm) observed at 58°C. Conversely, the addition of xanthan gum induced the development of thin films that enhanced silica aggregation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Tobler, Dr Dominique
• Authors: Tobler, D.J., Benning, L.G., and Knapp, J.
• Subjects: Q Science > QE Geology
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Journal Name: Mineralogical Magazine
• Journal Abbr.: Mineral. mag.
• Publisher: Mineralogical Society
• ISSN: 0026-461X
• ISSN (Online): 1471-8022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2008 Mineralogical Society
• First Published: First published in Mineralogical Magazine 72(1):287-290
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.