Effect of silicic acid on aggregation of hydrous ferric oxide

The silicic acid charge varies with protonation and deprotonation at different pH levels. As an adsorbing species, silicic acid could modify surface charge and affect the colloidal stability of HFO. Electrophoretic experiments revealed that silicic acid lowered particle ζ, decreased the isoelectric point (iep), and allowed HFO to aggregate at a lower pH. Reversal of charge was observed at pH 7.5, 7.0, 6.4, and 6.2 for silicic acid concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mM, respectively.