Preparation and application of polymeric silicate coagulant: a short review

Coagulation, a fundamental and crucial operation in water treatment, has a long history of application in water/wastewater treatment processes. The efficiency of coagulation depends primarily on the quality, type, and quantity of coagulants used. Although aluminum or iron-based coagulants are the most commonly employed, polymeric silicate coagulants (PSCs) are less frequently utilized. However, the PSCs are promising candidates that deserve further exploration and examination of their potential applications. This review presents an examination of the advantages, synthesis theory, coagulation mechanism, and structure of PSCs. It also delves into the current limitations of these coagulants in research and the challenges that lie ahead for future studies. Finally, it offers some suggestions for future research directions. These discussions are intended to aid readers in comprehending the fundamental characteristics of these coagulants, enabling them to grasp their design methodologies and application area. This understanding can contribute to overcoming the limitations of this type of flocculants, further enhancing their effectiveness.