ABSTRACT
Current View of the Silica Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Surface Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Surface Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Substantial progress in the elucidation of the surface structure of crystalline and amorphous silicas has been
achieved by means of high-resolution spectroscopic techniques, for example, 29Si cross-polarization magic-
angle spinning NMR spectroscopy and Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. The results lead to a better
understanding of the acidity, dehydration properties, and adsorption behavior of the surface. These proper-
ties are key features in the design of novel advanced silica materials. The current methods of characteriz-
ation are briefly reviewed and summarized.
