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This article reports the inhibitory effects of phosphonated chitosan (PCH, synthesized from chitosan (CHS) by a Mannich-type reaction) on the in vitro silicic acid condensation. In particular, the ability of PCH to retard silicic acid condensation in aqueous supersaturated solutions at circumneutral pH is studied. Furthermore, the effect of anionic carboxymethyl inulin (CMI) polyelectrolyte on the inhibitory activity of PCH is systematically studied. It was discovered that when PCH is added in dosages up to 150 ppm, it can inhibit silicic acid condensation, thereby maintaining soluble silicic acid up to 300 ppm (for 8 h, from a 500 ppm initial stock solution). The addition of CMI to working solutions that already contain PCH can further enhance the inhibitory action of PCH. A combination of 150 ppm PCH and 100 ppm CMI maintains 400 ppm soluble silicic acid for 8 h. PCH and CMI combinations also affect colloidal silica particle morphology.

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The catalytic role of Mg2+ ions in the polycondensation of silicic acid to form amorphous silica has been investigated in detail. This behavior is pH-dependent. As pH increases (herein, the three pH values 8.0, 9.0, and 9.5 were tested), the catalytic effect of Mg2+ ions becomes more pronounced. Also, this behavior is directly proportional to the concentration of Mg2+. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) can inhibit this catalytic effect by strongly chelating the Mg2+ ions. This research can be further expanded to other chelating agents that have an affinity for Mg2+ ions.

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