ABSTRACT
Silicates occur in a great number of minerals and rocks as well as in numerous technical products. Materials containing silicates constitute the basis of many different branches of industry. Apart from their principal applications in the construction, glass, and ceramic industries, siliceous materials have achieved an outstanding significance as raw materials and additives in adsorbents, catalyst supports, and ion exchangers. Precipitated silicic acid, fumed silica, silica gels, molecular sieves, mesoporous materials, and clay minerals are currently the most common classes within this group.
