Synthesis of Matrix Si-K-HAs Gel from Geothermal Sludge and Peat

Abstract

The synthesis of matrix silica-potassium-humic acid gel (Si-K-HAs) has been performed successfully by gradual extraction and acidification method. The extraction was carried out in two stages: 1) extraction of humic substances from peat prepared by potassium hydroxide to produce potassium humate (K-HA_S) solution, 2) extraction silica from geothermal sludge using K-HAs solution to produce Si-K-HAs solution. Acidification of Si-K-HAs solution prepared by citric acid (1-3N) to produce matrix gel of Si-K-HAs. The Si-K-HAs matrix gel products are characterized by Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR), X-ray fluroscence (XRF), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The acidification process was carried out in neutral to acid (pH 3-7) conditions and the results showed that at neutral pH no Si-K-HAs gel formed. IR spectra confirmed the presence of humic acid in the gel product, whereas XRF analysis confirmed the presence of potassium (K) and silica (SiO₂) in the gel product. The molar ratio of SiO₂:K₂O in the product is 0.9 - 0.3 in the pH range of 3-5. Si-K-HAs powder can be used as soil fertilizer especially for soils that lack silica, humic, and potassium nutrients or for future application development.

Keywords: gradual extraction; geothermal sludge; matrix gel; humic substance