(NH4)2SiF6 evaporation in the presence of SiO2

The kinetics and mechanism of the solid-phase reaction between (NH₄)₂SiF₆ and silica at molar ratios of (0.5–5): 1 were studied. SiO₂ is bound with (NH₄)₂SiF₆ to form volatile NH₄SiOF₃, which abruptly enhances the ammonium hexafluorosilicate evaporation. The activation energy and rate constants of evaporation were calculated for an (NH₄)₂SiF₆ + SiO₂ (2: 1) mixture in the range 220–300°C. The reaction with crystalline SiO₂ has a higher yield than with an amorphous “white soot.” The role of the SiO₂ surface in the formation of the volatile products is discussed. The phase and chemical composition of the sublimates was studied.