Silicon dioxide (CAS 14808-60-7)

Silicon dioxide, commonly known as silica, serves as a fundamental component in scientific research across numerous disciplines due to its diverse properties and versatile applications. One of its primary mechanisms of action lies in its role as a desiccant and adsorbent. Silicon dioxide′s high surface area and affinity for water molecules make it invaluable in research settings for the drying and purification of solvents, gases, and biological samples. Furthermore, silica finds extensive use as a stationary phase in chromatography, where it facilitates the separation and purification of complex mixtures based on differences in polarity, size, and interactions with the silica surface. Its compatibility with various mobile phases and its tunable surface properties make it suitable for a wide range of chromatographic techniques, including thin-layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, silicon dioxide plays a crucial role in materials science and nanotechnology, where it serves as a precursor for the synthesis of silica nanoparticles and the fabrication of silica-based materials with tailored properties for applications in catalysis, sensing, and drug delivery. Moreover, research efforts have explored its potential in biotechnology, where silica-based materials are employed in biosensing platforms, biomolecule immobilization, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Overall, silicon dioxide continues to be a cornerstone in scientific investigations, owing to its diverse functionalities and broad utility in research applications spanning chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, and biotechnology.