Abstract: A process for the production of Li2MSiO4 where M is selected from the group Fe, Mn, Co, and Ni, is disclosed. The process uses an atmospheric-pressure solvothermal synthesis and a calcining step wherein the solvent is selected to be stable from decomposition over the solvothermal process conditions. The solvothermal solvent is recoverable and reusable. The process also relies on an excess of lithium in the starting materials mix to promote phase-purity of the Li2MSiO4 crystalline phase. The Li2MSiO4 material is used as a cathode material in a lithium ion battery cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a micronized, virtually anhydrous form of (1?,2?,4?,5?,7?)-7-[(hydroxydi-2-thienylacetyl)oxy]-9,9-dimethyl-3-oxa-9-azoniatricyclo[3.3.1.02,4]nonane bromide, said form per se, and the use thereof for producing a medicament, especially a medicament having an anticholinergic effect.

Abstract: A process for the production of Li2MSiO4, wherein M is Mn, Fe, or Co, is disclosed. The process uses an atmospheric-pressure solvo-thermal synthesis in a high boiling-point amine solvent selected to be stable with respect to decomposition over the solvothermal process conditions. A subsequent calcination results in a substantially single phase powder of crystalline Li2MSiO4. The solvothermal solvent is recoverable and reusable. The process also uses on an excess of lithium in the starting materials mix to promote phase-purity of the Li2MSiO4 crystalline phase. The Li2MSiO4 material is used as a cathode material in a lithium ion battery cell.

Abstract: New silica gel materials and novel methods of producing such are provided. The method itself entails a manner of mixing the reactants together in a one-pot process such that the time required for aging is reduced without compromising the ability to target pore size production. In such a way, the pH of the reaction drives pore size development, thereby permitting a more efficient process to be followed in terms of expensive drying/heating steps being reduced timewise, if not altogether. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the resultant gel materials exhibit a certain pore size minimum while simultaneously exhibiting a degree of softness heretofore unavailable. As such, not only is this novel method more efficient in silica gel manufacture, but the resultant materials are completely novel as well. The gel materials made therefrom may be utilized in a variety of different end uses, such as cooking oil filtration, soft skin cleansers, dental abrasives, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing clear aqueous solutions of silicates, remaining stable at 20° C. on storage for at least 6 months, containing 20% to 40% by weight SiO2, 10% to 20% by weight M2O, where M is a cation from the group consisting of Li+, Na+, K+ and NY4+ and Y is an alkyl or alkenyl radical having 1 to 6 C atoms, 0.5% to 6% by weight Al2O3 and 100% by weight water, by introducing an aqueous solution of a silicate of the general formula M2O x nSiO2, in which M is a cation from the group consisting of Li+, Na+, K+ and NY4+, and where Y is an alkyl or alkenyl radical having 1 to 6 C atoms, and n is a number in the range from 1 to 5, and metering in an aluminium compound in such a way that the viscosity of the reaction mixture remains below 10 000 mPas, and the reaction being carried out in a temperature range from 20 to 140° C.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing alkali metal silicate which can be easily microparticulated, a method for synthesizing, with the use of the alkali metal silicate, alkali transition metal silicate, and alkali metal silicate and alkali transition metal silicate which are synthesized by the synthesis methods are disclosed. The alkali metal silicate is synthesized by the following steps: forming a basic solution including an alkali metal salt; mixing the basic solution including the alkali metal salt with silicon particles to form a basic solution including the alkali metal silicate; and adding the basic solution including the alkali metal silicate to a poor solvent for the alkali metal silicate to precipitate the alkali metal silicate. Further, the alkali metal silicate is mixed with a microparticulated compound including a transition metal to form a mixture, and the mixture is subjected to heat treatment, whereby the alkali transition metal silicate is generated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a porous ceramic material, particularly for thermal insulation, comprising the steps of: providing a first composition in the form of a stable aqueous colloidal solution of silica and oxides of alkaline metals; providing a second stable composition in the form of a suspension in an organic liquid of inorganic and/or organic particles, the second composition containing compounds which, when the second composition is mixed with the first composition, can destabilize the first composition, forming gel, and can form an organic polymeric net together with a blowing agent; mixing the first composition and the second composition to form a mixture; forming from the mixture a porous structure in gel form, where an organic structure supports inorganic structures being formed; solidifying the porous structure in gel form, obtaining a porous ceramic material in which an organic polymeric net surrounds inorganic portions.

Abstract: A method is provided for the synthesis of a mesoporous lithium transition metal compound, the method comprising the steps of (i) reacting a lithium salt with one or more transition metal salts in the presence of a surfactant, the surfactant being present in an amount sufficient to form a liquid crystal phase in the reaction mixture (ii) heating the reaction mixture so as to form a sol-gel and (iii) removing the surfactant to leave a mesoporous product. The mesoporous product can be an oxide, a phosphate, a borate or a silicate and optionally, an additional phosphate, borate or silicate reagent can be added at step (i). The reaction mixture can comprise an optional chelating agent and preferably, the reaction conditions at steps (i) and (ii) are controlled so as to prevent destabilisation of the liquid crystal phase. The invention is particularly suitable for producing mesoporous lithium cobalt oxide and lithium iron phosphate.

Abstract: Fine dry silica particles are produced by combustion by using a burner of a multiple-pipe structure, feeding a mixed gas of a gas of a siloxane compound without containing halogen in the molecules thereof and an oxygen gas at a ratio of 0.3 to 1.5 into the center pipe of a burner, and feeding a combustible gas into the first annular pipe on the outer side of the center pipe of the burner. The fine dry silica particles has a BET specific surface area of 20 to 55 m2/g, and wherein the water suspension containing the fine silica particles at a concentration of 1.5% by weight has an optical absorbance ? for the light of a wavelength of 700 nm satisfying the following formula (1): ??240S?1.4?0.07??(1) wherein S is the BET specific surface area (m2/g) of the fine dry silica particles.

Abstract: A method of producing a material including agglomerated particles of precipitated silica, including preparing a solution of at least two metal salts (Me), wherein the metal ions are divalent or polyvalent. A solution of alkali metal (M) silicate having a molar ratio SiO2/M2O of 1-4 is prepared. The solutions are mixed and the mixture stirred, allowing a coagulum to immediately form. The coagulum is rinsed, collected, dewatered, impregnated and processed to provide a material having a dry matter content of >75%, preferably >97%. A material obtainable by the process is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polysilicate microgels. More specifically, the invention relates to a process for preparing aqueous polysilicate microgels which comprises mixing an aqueous solution of alkali metal silicate with an aqueous phase of silica-based material having a pH of 11 or less, to polysilicate microgels per se and to the use thereof as flocculating agents in paper making and water purification. The invention further relates to a process for the production of paper from a suspension of cellulosic fibers, and optional filler, which comprises adding to the suspension at least one cationic or amphoteric organic polymer and a polysilicate microgel, forming and draining the suspension on a wire.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating silica sand scrubs (SSS) generated and accumulated as waste in the chloride manufacturing process of titanium dioxide pigment. A hydrothermal process is used to produce sodium silicate solutions of modulus 3.0 to 3.8, and precipitated silicas. In some embodiments, the process uses two specific principal reaction stages. A sodium silicate solution having a low SiO2:Na2O molar ratio, in the range from 2.0 to 2.8, is first produced by reaction of the SSS, as a cost-effective SiO2 source, with aqueous caustic soda. The conversion of this intermediate sodium silicate solution of low modulus to a high SiO2:Na2O molar ratio is made possible by using a SiO2 source that is prepared as precipitated amorphous silica from the intermediate sodium silicate solution produced above.

Abstract: An improved process for producing high purity silicon results from the reaction of sodium with pure silicon tetrafluoride gas, which produces sodium fluoride as a by-product. The silicon tetrafluoride gas is formed by decomposing sodium fluorosilicate. The sodium fluorosilicate is produced by precipitation when fluorosilicic acid (FSA) is reacted with the by-product sodium fluoride in closed loop process. Likewise, the fluorosilicic acid is preferably formed at high purity using a source material that consists essentially of silica by reacting the by-product sodium fluoride with an acid to create reactive fluoride ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of processing an acid suspension containing at least one solid, wherein (a) the suspension containing at least one solid is mixed with an alkali metal silicate solution, the pH of the mixture being adjusted to a pH of more than 4, and (b) the resulting precipitate which contains the alkali metal silicate and the at least one solid is separated and optionally washed, dried and ground. The mixture according to (a) after aging may be acidified further by the addition of an acid. Furthermore, there are disclosed an adsorbent obtainable according to the preceding process, and the use thereof.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide gas absorbent includes a porous body containing a lithium complex oxide. The porous body includes pores having a pore diameter distribution such that main pores which consist of first pores with a diameter of 10 to 100 ?m and second pores with a diameter larger than 100 ?m and 500 ?m or smaller occupy 80 to 100%, third pores with a diameter smaller than 10 ?m occupy 0 to 10% and fourth pores with a diameter larger than 500 ?m occupy 0 to 10%, the main pores have a pore diameter distribution such that the first pores occupy 15 to 85% and second pores occupy 15 to 85%.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a zinc-containing molecular sieve having IFR framework topology and having zinc atoms in its crystal framework, said process comprising: (a) preparing an aqueous mixture containing sources of silicon oxide, zinc oxide, an alkali metal, and an N-benzyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane cation having an anionic counterion which is not detrimental to the formation of the molecular sieve; and (b) maintaining the aqueous mixture under conditions sufficient to form crystals of the molecular sieve.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating silica sand scrubs (SSS) generated and accumulated as waste in the chloride manufacturing process of titanium dioxide pigment. A hydrothermal process is used to produce sodium silicate solutions of modulus 3.0 to 3.8, and precipitated silicas. In some embodiments, the process uses two specific principal reaction stages. A sodium silicate solution having a low SiO2:Na2O molar ratio, in the range from 2.0 to 2.8, is first produced by reaction of the SSS, as a cost-effective SiO2 source, with aqueous caustic soda. The conversion of this intermediate sodium silicate solution of low modulus to a high SiO2:Na2O molar ratio is made possible by using a SiO2 source that is prepared as precipitated amorphous silica from the intermediate sodium silicate solution produced above.

Abstract: A method for producing synthetic magadiite, including the step of: heating a liquid aqueous colloidal silica suspension, the liquid aqueous colloidal silica suspension having a mole ratio of sodium hydroxide to silica and a mole ratio of water to silica effective to produce a synthetic magadiite wherein more than fifty percent by weight of the synthetic magadiite is platy synthetic magadiite. The synthetic platy magadiite can be converted to the acid form and: (a) heated to produce quartz-like plates; or Coalkylated to produce an organophilic material. In another aspect the instant invention is a method for the production of platy sodium octasilicate which includes the step of: heating a liquid aqueous colloidal silica dispersion containing silica, sodium oxide, and water, the mole ratio of the silica to the sodium oxide being in the range of from about 3.5 to about 10.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing inorganic spheres having a substantially uniform particle size with high productivity. In a process for producing inorganic spheres, which comprises a step of injecting an alkaline aqueous liquid containing an inorganic compound into a laminar flow of an organic liquid containing a surfactant through micropores to form a W/O type emulsion, and a step of solidifying droplets of the aqueous liquid containing an inorganic compound in the W/O type emulsion by an acid to form inorganic spheres, as the organic liquid, one which is brought into contact with an acid in a state of the W/O type emulsion or after separated from the W/O type emulsion, or one which is brought into contact with the aqueous liquid and then separated and recovered, is used.

Abstract: In the present invention a process for the preparation of sodium silicate from Kimberlite tailing generated as solid waste during diamond mining is disclosed. The process comprises, reacting Kimberlite tailing with mineral acid to remove acid soluble impurities followed by digesting acid treated Kimberlite tailing with alkali solution in a open or closed system to obtain sodium silicate useful for commercial applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for synthesis of lamellar solids based on silicates comprising: i) a mixing stage, during which a mixture that comprises an alkaline metal, a silica source, water and an organic structuring agent is prepared, and ii) a crystallization stage during which this mixture is kept under conditions allowing the formation of a crystalline solid. The organic structuring agent that is used in this process comprises an alcohol group and an amine group that are separated by a hydrocarbon chain.

Abstract: A method for producing synthetic magadiite, including the step of: heating a liquid aqueous colloidal silica suspension, the liquid aqueous colloidal silica suspension having a mole ratio of sodium hydroxide to silica and a mole ratio of water to silica effective to produce a synthetic magadiite wherein more than fifty percent by weight of the synthetic magadiite is platy synthetic magadiite. The synthetic platy magadiite can be converted to the acid form and: (a) heated to produce quartz-like plates; or (b) alkylated to produce an organophilic material. A method for the production of platy sodium octasilicate and a method for preparing a liquid aqueous colloidal silica dispersion having a mole ratio of silica to sodium oxide of 3.5 to 10 are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present development is a silica additive for use in rubbers and similar cross-linked materials having a silicon atom intercalated within an oxygenated framework. The additive may be prepared starting with crystalline, fused or amorphous silica powder, thereby reducing the cost of the additive as compared to using precipitated silica.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supported catalyst and the production and use thereof in the synthesis of vinyl acetate in the gaseous phase from ethylene, acetic acid and oxygen, or from gases containing oxygen, whereby the activity and selectivity are simultaneously improved. The catalyst contains palladium, at least one alkali metal compound and optionally one or more catalyst accelerators, in particular, gold, barium and/or cadmium on a porous support. Said support contains at least one reducible metal oxide, in particular oxides of the elements of groups IIIb, IVb, Vb, VIb from the periodic table of elements. Once the support has been loaded with at least one palladium compound, a reduction is carried out at a temperature of >200° C.

Abstract: A mesoporous material is described. It includes a network of interconnected pores within an L3 phase structure. The pores include pore walls of a silicate material functionalized with at least one metal cation—usually a transition metal. Articles which include the mesoporous material are also disclosed, along with methods for making the mesoporous material.

Abstract: A process for preparing a silicate porous product, which comprises a step of forming a clay mineral into a dispersion by means of a dispersant, a step of removing gases dissolved in the dispersion, a step of freezing the dispersion and drying it in its frozen state under reduced pressure, and a step of firing the dried product obtained by the drying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for manufacturing a crystalline layered sodium disilicate and more particularly, to the improved method for manufacturing the crystalline layered sodium disilicate comprising the steps including the preparation of granules in a certain ratio of anhydrous sodium silicate cullet, a starting material, in the presence of some binders such as water and an aqueous solution of sodium silicate, followed by a crystallization step of the granules, thus ensuring that a small amount of final product is recycled to the prior crystallization step in order to prevent the attachment of granules to an inner crystallization device, which occurs due to local sintering in a high-temperature crystallization condition of continual process and also to further enhance the unit productivity during the mass production of crystalline layered sodium disilicate.

Abstract: Selected smectites may be synthesized from a wide variety of components. Morphology, purity, size, and/or shape of the selected smectite may be controlled by mixing the clay smectite formatives, and selectively controlling the pH during mixing. The selected smectites may be used in any applications in which naturally occurring smectite may be used. The selected smectite may also be formulated into an organoclay.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for preparing P zeolites in which aluminate and silicate solutions are reacted in the presence of a P-zeolite seed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for easily and efficiently producing silica particles having a narrow particle size distribution and a high porosity from inexpensive starting materials such as sodium silicate. The silica particles of the present invention can be obtained in the form of a slurry containing them by (1) forming a slurry by mixing first particles difficultly soluble in an alkali and soluble in an acid, with an aqueous alkali silicate solution to form a first slurry containing the first particles, (2) neutralizing the first slurry with a mineral acid to prepare a second slurry containing second particles wherein silica is deposited on the first particles, and (3) adding a mineral acid to the second slurry to dissolve the first particles from the second particles, to prepare a third slurry containing silica particles.

Abstract: Aqueous composition, including a water-soluble metal silicate complex which includes at least one divalent metal. A process for preparing an aqueous composition including water-soluble metal silicate complex includes combining monovalent cation silicate and divalent metal ions in an aqueous environment to form the water-soluble metal silicate complex. A process of modifying cellulose slurry includes adding an aqueous composition having water-soluble metal silicate complex which includes divalent metal to cellulose slurry. A process for preparing cellulose slurry includes adding monovalent cation silicate to cellulose slurry comprising a sufficient amount of divalent metal ions to combine with the monovalent cation silicate to form water-soluble metal silicate complex. A process of making cellulose product includes: adding an aqueous composition having water-soluble metal silicate complex including divalent metal to cellulose slurry; and forming cellulose product from the cellulose slurry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to trioctahedral phyllosilicates 2:1 of a stevensite or kerolite type containing fluorine, fluorinated in synthesis in an acid medium in the presence of hydrofluoric acid and/or another source of fluoride anions. The invention also relates to a method of preparation to obtain said phyllosilicate. The existence of gaps enables adjustable quantities of cations to be incorporated in the gaps and hence the exchange capacity of said solids to be modulated. These phyllosilicates, raw from synthesis or after post-synthesis modification, may be incorporated in the composition of catalysts used to convert hydrocarbons, in particular for hydrocracking.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of mesostructured molecular sieve silicas from inorganic silicon precursors and polyoxyethylene oxide based polymers is described. The silicas are stable upon calcination to 600° to 800° C. The silicas are useful in refining processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a synthetic magnesium silicate having a layered crystalline structure, to a process for its preparation and to its use.

Abstract: Precipitated silica having the following parameters: BET surface area 80-180 m2/g CTAB surface area 80-139 m2/g BET/CTAB ratio 1.0-1.6 Sears No. (consumption of 5-25 ml 0.1 N NaOH) DBP No. 200-300 ml/100 g Al2O3 content <5% wk coefficient <3.4 Degraded particles <1.0 &mgr;m Non-degradable particles 1.0-100 &mgr;m is prepared by reacting alkali silicate with mineral acids and aluminum sulfate solution at temperatures of 60-95° C. at a pH of 7.0-10.0 while stirring constantly, wherein the reaction is continued to a solids concentration of 40-110 g/l, the pH is adjusted to a value between 3 and 5, and the precipitated silica is filtered off, washed and then dried, and optionally ground or granulated.

Abstract: Incorporation of neutral water soluble inorganic salts into a precipitated silica improves the filler dispersion in a compounded rubber, reduces rolling resistance (hysteresis), and improves processability. These properties are achieved without loss of the expected reinforcement effect due to the substitution of inorganic salt for SiO2 in the silica. The properties are seen when a variety of silanes and processing aids are added to the silica.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of crystalline sodium silicates having a sheet structure and high .delta. phase content from water glass, which has been prepared hydrothermally, by dehydration of the water glass and subsequent crystallization at elevated temperature, which comprises treating the water glass at temperatures of from 50 to 140.degree. C. prior to dehydration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of crystalline sodium silicates having a sheet structure and high .delta. phase content from water glass, which has been prepared predominantly hydrothermally, by dehydration of the water glass and subsequent crystallization at elevated temperature, wherein the water glass is a mixture of water glass prepared hydrothermally and tank furnace water glass, and also to its use.

Abstract: Pulverulent detergent compositions, particularly suitable for washing and dishwashing machines, include a surfactant and a builder therefor, such builder comprising an alkali metal silicate advantageously having a SiO.sub.2 /M.sub.2 O molar ratio ranging from about 1.6 to 3.5, at least 30% and preferably at least 50% of the silicon atoms of which being in the Q.sub.2 and Q.sub.3 configurations, or such builder comprising said alkali metal silicate sorbed onto a particulate inert support substrate. Also, detergent compositing comprising (a) an aqueous solution of an alkali metal silicate having an SiO.sub.2 /M.sub.2 O molar ratio ranging from about 1.

Abstract: A composition comprising the product precipitated in the admixing of a soluble metal salt and one or more compounds having a component selected from silicates, phosphates and borates; and a method for controlling drainage and/or retention in the formation of a paper matrix or for treating water comprising the use of such product.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a porous composite oxide is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) slowly mixing a solution including a silicon oxide source and a solution including an aluminum oxide source; (b) adding hydrochloric acid to the mixed solution prepared in said step (a) to obtain a sol; and (c) adding sodium hydroxide to said sol, reacting the obtained resultant at room temperature for 30 minutes to 12 hours, and drying the resultant. The porous composite oxide has an abundance of fine pores and the distribution of pore size is relatively uniform, so that the porous composite oxide is suitable for a carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing sodium disilicate in the .beta. form having a high ion-exchange capacity and a molar ratio Na.sub.2 O:SiO.sub.2 of about 1:2 from a silicate source and sodium hydroxide solution at elevated temperature, with the product formed being separated off by filtration, wherein the product is further heat treated at from 450.degree. to 780.degree. C. and/or is pressed to form compact parts.

Abstract: A novel crystalline titanium silicate designated ETS-14 molecular sieve is disclosed and characterized. ETS-14 may be prepared by heating ETS-10 molecular sieve in the form of an aqueous gel or incorporating crystals of ETS-10 with an aqueous source of sodium that is essentially free from potassium.

Abstract: Incorporation of neutral water soluble inorganic salts into a precipitated silica improves the filler dispersion in a compounded rubber, reduces rolling resistance (hysteresis), and improves processability. These properties are achieved without loss of the expected reinforcement effect due to the substitution of inorganic salt for SiO.sub.2 in the silica. The properties are seen when a variety of silanes and processing aids are added to the silica.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the ecological usage of acid effluents. Also disclosed is a sorption agent which is characterized in that an acid effluent, created from the production of fullers earth which contains as main ingredients Fe.sup.2+/3+ -, Al.sup.3+ -, Ca.sup.2+ - and Mg.sup.2+ cations and inorganic anions, is reacted with an alkali silicate. The resultant precipitate is separated in an aqueous phase and, when necessary, purified and dried. The sorption agent can be used for the bleaching of oils or for the removal of soaps, phospholipids and heavy metals from oils, specifically edible oils.

Abstract: The present invention provides silicate polymers which regulate the function of a living body by restoring and normalizing the lowered cell functions due to diseases. The silicate polymers are preferably water soluble. The molecular weight of the polymers is in the range of 4,800 to 2,000,000, preferably 20,000 to 1,000,000, and they have a degree of polymerization in the range of 75 to 33,000, preferably 490 to 16,500. The monomer unit is --(SiO.sub.2)--. The polymers may be produced by dissolving a water-soluble silicate or a silicic acid containing material such as water glass in water to obtain an aqueous solution. The solution may be admixed with an acid to adjust the pH to 2-10, preferably 4-9.5. A saccharide or sugar alcohol or pharmaceutically acceptable salt may also be admixed with the solution. The aqueous solution is preferably dried to obtain a powder by heating at 150.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. or by lyophilization.

Abstract: This invention relates to new crystalline organic compositions having unique combinations of framework-confined uniform mesopores and textural mesopores and to a method for their preparation. The compositions typically possess a framework wall thickness of at least about 17 .ANG., small elementary particle size of less than about 400 .ANG., and ratio of textural to framework-confined mesoporosity of greater than about 0.2. The formation of the mesoporous structure is accomplished by a novel self-assembly mechanism involving hydrogen bonding between neutral amine surfactant (S.degree.) and neutral inorganic oxide precursor (I.degree.). This S.degree.I.degree. templating approach allows for facile and environmentally benign recycling of the cost-intensive template by simple solvent extraction methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zeolite catalyst, a process for using the catalyst for conversion of hydrocarbons, especially naphtha and LPG feedstock, and a process for preparing the catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to new crystalline organic compositions having unique combinations of framework-confined uniform mesopores and textural mesopores and to a method for their preparation. The compositions typically possess a framework wall thickness of at least about 17.ANG., small elementary particle size of less than about 400.ANG., and ratio of textural to framework-confined mesoporosity of greater than about 0.2. The formation of the mesoporous structure is accomplished by a novel self-assembly mechanism involving hydrogen bonding between neutral amine surfactant (S.degree.) and neutral inorganic oxide precursor (I.degree.). This S.degree.I.degree. templating approach allows for facile and environmentally benign recycling of the cost-intensive template by simple solvent extraction methods.

Abstract: A method of removing silica or silicates from solids results from the acid hydrolysis of materials containing cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed. The method includes the steps of treating the solids with a metal hydroxide solution to produce an extract, reducing the pH of the extract to produce silicic acid, and removing the silicic acid from the extract.