Boric Acid Production From Sodium Metaborate With Sulfuric Acid

Abstract

In this study, boric acid production with aqueous phase reaction of sodium metaborate with sulfuric acid is investigated. Sodium metaborate is the byproduct of catalytic hydrolysis of sodium borohydride reaction. It was reacted batchwise at 90^oC for 30 minutes with 98% H₂SO₄ solution. After the boric acid production, purification was investigated using ethanol, acetone and saturated boric acid solution. 97.78%, 93.13% and 100% pure boric acid products were obtained, respectively. These results, supported by XRD analysis, indicate that the proposed method was successful and it is possible to produce boric acid by reacting sodium metaborate directly with sulfuric acid.

Keywords

• sodium metaborate; boric acid; sodium borohydride

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