Wet Chemical Synthesis of Porous Silica from Copper Slag

Abstract

Copper slags obtained during smelting and refining of copper is now stored worldwide in large quantities. Here, we studied the synthesis of silica material from the extract of copper smelting slag, considering its chemical recycling. When the copper slag was extracted with an acidic solution, iron and silica were eluted. Accordingly, silica hydrogel was formed due to gradual aggregation of silica colloids. The dried silica hydrogel exhibited a high specific surface area and hygroscopicity favorable for application as adsorbents.