Synthesis of Li ₄ SiO ₄ by a Modified Combustion Method

Abstract

We report for the first time the synthesis of Li 4 SiO 4 by the modified combustion method, a rapid chemical process that takes 5 min for completion. This method uses nonoxidizer compounds instead of nitrate mixtures, which are not always commercially available. The effects of the following parameters on the production of Li 4 SiO 4 were studied: (1) different lithium hydroxide:silicic acid:urea (LiOH:H 2 SiO 3 :CH 4 N 2 O) molar ratios; (2) the presence of air flow in the furnace chamber; and (3) the furnace heating temperature. It was found that LiOH:H 2 SiO 3 :CH 4 N 2 O molar ratios 6:1:3 heated at 1100°C in the presence of additional air in the muffle chamber formed the best precursors to produce Li 4 SiO 4 .