Development of low-cost silica gel from rice husk ash for thin layer chromatography (TLC)

Abstract

This study investigates the synthesis of sustainable, rice husk ash-derived silica gel for use as the stationary phase in the thin-layer chromatography (TLC) technique. Commercially available silica used for TLC is considerably costly, as it is derived from non-renewable sources and also involves complex manufacturing processes. Therefore, the objective of this research was to produce fluorescent material- incorporated TLC material at a low cost for use in teaching laboratories.