Speciation in Solution: Silicate Oligomers in Aqueous Solutions Detected by Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Electrospray mass spectrometry has been used for the first time to analyze inorganic oligomeric species in aqueous solutions. Different double-four rings and double-three rings could be reliably analyzed in silicate solutions, as proven by independent 29Si NMR spectroscopy. This technique might prove valuable in the analysis of nucleating solutions.