An ultra-white granular silica-based filler comprises at least 99.5 wt. % silica, wherein the crystal structure of the silica is such that the silica-based filler comprises 40 to 80 wt. % cristobalite, 1 to 25 wt. % tridymite, 2-60 wt. % quartz and <5 wt. % amorphous silica, wherein the temperature of the ultra-white granular silica-based filler is no higher than 50° C. and further wherein the ultra-white granular silica-based filler exhibits an L* value in the CIELAB color space of 95-98. In addition, an ultra-white powder filler is obtained by milling, grinding or comminuting the ultra-white granular silica-based filler. The ultra-white powder filler exhibits an L* value in the CIELAB color space of 95-98.5.

An ultra-white granular silica-based filler comprises at least 99.5 wt. % silica, wherein the crystal structure of the silica is such that the silica-based filler comprises 40 to 80 wt. % cristobalite, 1 to 25 wt. % tridymite, 2-60 wt. % quartz and <5 wt. % amorphous silica, wherein the temperature of the ultra-white granular silica-based filler is no higher than 50° C. and further wherein the ultra-white granular silica-based filler exhibits an L* value in the CIELAB color space of 95-98. In addition, an ultra-white powder filler is obtained by milling, grinding or comminuting the ultra-white granular silica-based filler. The ultra-white powder filler exhibits an L* value in the CIELAB color space of 95-98.5.

A nanoscale ionic material composition, such as but not limited to a nanoscale ionic solid material composition, a nanoscale ionic gel material composition or a nanoscale ionic liquid material composition, may be prepared using an acid/base reaction directly between: (1) one of an acid functional and a base functional inorganic metal oxide nanoparticle core absent an organofunctional corona; and (2) a corresponding complementary one of a basic and acidic functional organic polymer material canopy. Desirably, the nanoscale ionic material composition is formed absent an intervening chemical functionalization process step with respect to the inorganic metal oxide nanoparticle core that provides the corona, such as but not limited to a silane coupling agent chemical functionalization process step with respect to the inorganic metal oxide nanoparticle core to provide the corona.

A nanoscale ionic material composition, such as but not limited to a nanoscale ionic solid material composition, a nanoscale ionic gel material composition or a nanoscale ionic liquid material composition, may be prepared using an acid/base reaction directly between: (1) one of an acid functional and a base functional inorganic metal oxide nanoparticle core absent an organofunctional corona; and (2) a corresponding complementary one of a basic and acidic functional organic polymer material canopy. Desirably, the nanoscale ionic material composition is formed absent an intervening chemical functionalization process step with respect to the inorganic metal oxide nanoparticle core that provides the corona, such as but not limited to a silane coupling agent chemical functionalization process step with respect to the inorganic metal oxide nanoparticle core to provide the corona.

Methods of synthesis of mesoporous silica are disclosed. The mesoporous silica synthesized herein, like SBA-15, possesses a two-dimensional, hexagonal, through-hole structure with a space group p6mm. An effective quantity of one or more water-soluble oxidized disulfide oil (ODSO) compounds are used during synthesis to impart distinct characteristics.

The present description relates to a process for extracting magnesium compounds from magnesium-bearing ores comprising leaching serpentine tailing with dilute HCl to dissolve the magnesium and other elements like iron and nickel. The resudial silica is removed and the rich solution is further neutralized to eliminate impurities and recover nickel. Magnesium chloride is transformed in magnesium sulfate and hydrochloric acid by reaction with sulfuric acid. The magnesium sulfate can be further decomposed in magnesium oxyde and sulphur dioxyde by calcination. The sulphur gas can further be converted into sulfuric acid.

Modified silica particles are provided. Aspects of the particles include an outer layer that is composed of organically-modified silica comprising a siloxane-linked hydrophilic group, such as a charged functional group or a polar neutral functional group. The modified silica particles can form the basis of a variety of chromatography support materials. Also provided are methods of preparing the subject particles. Aspects of the methods include contacting silica particles with water, an ionic fluoride and an organosilane reagent comprising a hydrophilic moiety to produce modified silica particles wherein the hydrophilic moiety of the organosilane reagent is incorporated into an outer layer of the silica particles. Chromatography supports and kits including the subject particles and methods of using the same are also provided.

Modified silica particles are provided. Aspects of the particles include an outer layer that is composed of organically-modified silica comprising a siloxane-linked hydrophilic group, such as a charged functional group or a polar neutral functional group. The modified silica particles can form the basis of a variety of chromatography support materials. Also provided are methods of preparing the subject particles. Aspects of the methods include contacting silica particles with water, an ionic fluoride and an organosilane reagent comprising a hydrophilic moiety to produce modified silica particles wherein the hydrophilic moiety of the organosilane reagent is incorporated into an outer layer of the silica particles. Chromatography supports and kits including the subject particles and methods of using the same are also provided.

Synthesizing Janus nanoparticles including forming a lamellar phase having water layers, organic layers, and a surfactant, and reacting chemical precursors in the lamellar phase to form the Janus nanoparticles at interfaces of the water layers with the organic layers.

Synthesizing Janus nanoparticles including forming a lamellar phase having water layers, organic layers, and a surfactant, and reacting chemical precursors in the lamellar phase to form the Janus nanoparticles at interfaces of the water layers with the organic layers.