Colloidal compositions and methods of preparing same
Colloidal compositions and methods of preparing same are provided. The colloidal compositions include a silicate and a metal dispersed therein. The colloidal compositions can further include a stabilizer, such as a quaternary amine, to enhance the and dispersion of the metal loading within the silicate. The colloidal compositions can be made such that the metal is dispersed within the silicate in a controlled manner.
1. A method of producing a silica colloid, comprising:
providing an alkaline solution having a stabilizing component,
adding a silicic acid solution to the alkaline solution, and
forming a colloid of silica particles, wherein the stabilizing component is dispersed throughout each silica particle,
wherein the alkaline solution comprises a cationic metal component.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the metal component is dispersed within one or more of the silica particles.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the stabilizing component and/or the metal component is dispersed in a homogenous manner.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer is a quaternary compound.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the stabilizer is a quaternary amine.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the quaternary amine is quaternary ammonium hydroxide.
7. A method of preparing a metal-containing silica colloid, comprising:
adding a silicic acid solution to an alkaline solution to form a mixture;
adding a metal-silicate solution to the mixture,
forming a colloid of metal silicate particles.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the colloid is further processed to form a crystalline structure.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the further processing comprises heating.