Silicate-based Sorbents: Preparation, Properties and Multifarious Applications
Silicate-based sorbents open up an exciting field of research due to their facile synthesis, unique properties and multiple applications. Synthesis of these materials can be attained by methods such as sol-gel process, self-assembly method, emulsification, hybrid pyrolysis carbonization, hydrothermal carbonization and so on. Mesoporous and nanomaterials based sorbents are obtained by appropriate synthetic routes. The characteristic properties of these materials include pore size in nano range, high porosity, low density, ultra-low thermal conductivity, tunable polarity, transparency and eco-friendly nature. Owing to these properties, the associated applications involve treatment of both organic and inorganic pollutants in water in industrial and agricultural areas, sorption of radioactive substances, selective gas filtering, construction of buildings, space crafts and lightweight objects, acoustic materials, biosensors etc. The chapter presented here, details the various types of silicate based sorbent materials reported in the recent literature, their significant properties and their applications in the fields such as waste water treatment, radioactive waste management, gas separation etc.