How to Use Silica Gel
Silica gel is a highly porous, granular form of sodium silicate that has been subjected to acid. It absorbs moisture readily and its primary use is as a desiccant. Silica gel that is used for this purpose may also contain cobalt chloride (CoCl2) or ammonium tetrachlorocobaltate(II) [(NH4)2CoCl4], which will make the silica pink when hydrated and blue when dry. Silica gel also has application in chemistry and is chemically similar to aerogel, but much less porous.
Instructions
-
-
1
Keep general items dry. This typically includes items that are vulnerable to mold in moist environments, such as leather and cured meats. Manufacturers frequently package vitamins with silica gel packets to prevent them from degrading.
-
2
Protect electronics. Store packages of silica gel inside electronic components to keep the humidity low. Excessive moisture inside an electronic device can allow arcing, which can damage an amplifier.
-
-
3
Dry the air in an air compressor. Air compressors frequently discharge air through beads of silica gel in order to ensure the air is dry. Silica gel also keeps the compressed air in locomotive brakes dry to keep the brakes from failing.
-
4
Use silica gel in chromatography. Particles of silica gel with very specific sizes can be used to separate molecules of different sizes. In addition, silica gel can separate polar and non-polar components since silica gel is a polar material.
-
5
Remove metal ions from an aqueous solution. Graft a polyamine to a surface of silica gel and bind a chelating agent to the polyamine with a covalent bond. Silica gel can also be used as a reducing agent when it's combined with an alkali metal.
-
1
