Characterization of sol–gel-derived nano-particles separated from oil sands fine tailings

Abstract

Methodology has been developed to separate nano-particles of amorphous material from Syncrude fine tailings. Both, separated finer solids and residual coarser solids, were characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, XPS, SEM, infrared spectroscopy, solid-state NMR, density, and surface area measurements. Based on the results of infrared and X-ray diffraction, the amorphous minerals identified in finer solids included allophanes, halloysite, ferrihydrite, and amorphous silica. The finer fraction also contained some crystalline material consisting of muscovite and traces of quartz. The residual coarser solids consisted mostly of quartz, muscovite, and kaolinite. #

Oxy-Cracking Reaction for Enhanced Settling and Dewaterability of Oil Sands Tailings

“…Similar observations were reported elsewhere. 33 As mentioned earlier, the amount of these organic materials was also measured and confirmed by CHN and TGA analysis. It is worth noting here that the peaks of silica at about 1000 cm −1 , observed after the oxy-cracking reaction, are sharper.…”

“…It was reported that these amorphous materials contain allophanes, halloysite, ferrihydrite, and amorphous silica which interact with the inorganic minerals in these solids. 33,42 4. CONCLUSIONS A novel application of the oxy-cracking process was successfully applied for the enhanced settling of solid particles and dewatering of oil sands tailings water.…”

Preparation of SrFeO∼2.85 perovskite using a citric acid assisted Pechini-type method

“…A type III isotherm was obtained for all samples suggesting a very weak adsorption interaction of which the fundamentals are not very well understood [32]. The data indicate the presence of both micropores and mesopores in these samples.…”

Controlled fluorination of clays

“…Isopropyl alcohol decreases the interaction of water with the pore wall during drying. This prevents agglomeration of clay particles resulting in higher surface area product [23].…”