Sodium silicate, potassium silicate, lithium silicate, silica sol and aerogel are a few common silicate materials that have their characteristics in terms of chemical structure and application areas. We will introduce the basic properties and main differences of these materials one by one below.

 
Silicate Series

Sodium silicate is an inorganic compound that typically exists in the form of a liquid option. Its chemical formula is Na2SiO3, and it is typically located in both strong and liquid types. The liquid solution of sodium silicate is alkaline and has strong sticky and gelling homes. It is extensively used in the building and construction sector as an additive to seal to enhance its strength and longevity. In addition, sodium silicate is used in the manufacture of detergents, paper and textiles.

Potassium silicate, with the chemical formula K2SiO3, is similar to sodium silicate and is also an alkaline compound. The aqueous solution of potassium silicate has the same adhesive and gelling properties, but it is more alkaline than sodium silicate. Potassium silicate is commonly used in the manufacture of fireproofing materials, ceramic glazes and specialty glass. Due to the presence of potassium ions, potassium silicate exhibits better resistance to high temperatures in some applications.

Lithium silicate, with the chemical formula Li2SiO3, is a fairly new silicate product. Compared to salt and potassium silicate, lithium silicate is less alkaline however has superb electrochemical residential properties. Lithium silicate is mainly used in the battery industry as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Due to its high ionic conductivity and stability, lithium silicate has a broad application prospect in the new energy field.

Silica sol is a colloidal solution, mainly formed by nanosized silica particles dispersed in water. The particle size of silica sol is usually between 1 and 100 nanometers, with a large specific surface area and high surface activity. Silica sols are widely used in coatings, ceramics, electronics and pharmaceuticals. Due to their nanometer particle size, silica sols can significantly improve the mechanical and optical properties of materials.

Sodium Silicate

 
Aerogel is a lightweight, porous material, mainly composed of a silica network structure. Aerogels have a porosity of more than 90% and an extremely low density but have excellent thermal insulation properties and mechanical strength. Aerogels are widely used in aerospace, construction and energy applications. Due to their unique structure, aerogels excel in thermal and acoustic insulation and adsorption.

Next, we compare the different characteristics of these materials in detail.

Sodium silicate and potassium silicate are chemically really comparable, both being alkaline compounds with adhesive and gelling buildings. However, potassium silicate is additional alkaline and has far better warmth resistance, making it preferable for sure high-temperature applications. Lithium silicate, on the other hand, is generally made use of in the battery sector because of its outstanding electrochemical buildings, which vary considerably from the application locations of sodium and potassium silicate.

Silica sols and aerogels are significantly different in framework. Silica sols are colloidal remedies of nanoscale fragments, while aerogels are permeable solid materials composed of nanoscale fragments. The applications of silica sols are mostly focused on improving the mechanical and optical residential properties of products. At the same time, aerogels have a large range of applications in thermal and acoustic insulation due to their extremely reduced thickness and exceptional thermal insulation residential or commercial properties.

 
Potassium Silicate Powder

In terms of preparation methods, sodium silicate and potassium silicate are usually made through the reaction of silica with alkali metal hydroxides. Lithium silicate is prepared similarly, but due to the more active chemical nature of lithium, the preparation process requires stricter control. Silica sols are prepared mainly by the sol-gel method, in which a silicate solution is hydrolyzed and condensed under acidic conditions to form nanoparticles. The preparation of aerogels, on the other hand, requires the removal of solvent through supercritical drying technology on the basis of the sol-gel method to form a porous structure.

In terms of applications, sodium and potassium silicate are mainly used in the construction, detergent and ceramics industries. Lithium silicate, on the other hand, is primarily used in the battery industry, especially in lithium-ion batteries. Silica sol is widely used in the coatings, ceramics and electronics industries. At the same time, aerogel has essential applications in the aerospace, construction and energy sectors due to its excellent thermal insulation properties.

 
Silicate Salt

Supplier
TRUNNANO is a globally recognized manufacturer and supplier of compounds with more than 12 years of expertise in the highest quality nanomaterials and other chemicals. The company develops a variety of powder materials and chemicals. Provide OEM service. If you need high quality Sodium Silicate, Potassium Silicate, Lithium Silicate and Aerogel, please feel free to contact us. You can click on the product to contact us. (sales8@nanotrun.com)

Tag: Sodium Silicate, Potassium Silicate, Lithium Silicate, Aerogel