Preparation of highly dispersed SiO2 nanoparticles using continuous gas-based impinging streams

Abstract This study presents a novel process for the preparation of highly dispersed SiO 2 nanoparticles using continuous gas-based impinging streams. For an efficient precipitation process, gas-based impinging streams and gas division had greatly improved the mixing performance of the reaction system. The dispersity of the prepared SiO 2 nanoparticles was significantly improved owing to the enhanced mixing performance and precipitation in gas environment. For process economics, (NH 4 ) 2 SiF 6 , a byproduct from phosphate fertilizer production processes, and NH 3 ·H 2 O, were employed as the reactants to prepare nanosized SiO 2 particles. The effects of various operation parameters on the qualities of SiO 2 nanoparticles were determined. Under optimal conditions, the synthesized SiO 2 nanoparticles were 2–10 nm in size with a high dispersity, and the specific surface area was approximately 720.5 m 2 /g. This study may provide an effective and economical approach for industrial production of high-quality SiO 2 nanoparticles.