I'm working with SPT for diatom separation and struggling with the recycling of SPT between samples. SPT completely dries to the walls of glass beakers and I was just wondering if it was possible to freeze dry the solution instead?
Hello Gertruda,
From a quick web search, I cannot find much physical data on the behaviour of this solution.
In theory, there should be no issue with freeze drying the water from the solution to leave the previously dissolved SPT behind. A couple of issues to watch out for include the pH of the solution, at 3.0 then place it in an acid resistant container in the dryer, do not put it directly on the metal of the freeze dryer shelf. I cannot see the freezing point of the solution, you may know this, but freezing the solution is critical for freeze drying, else it is boiling under vacuum, similar to a rotary evaporator. Finally - you will likely only get to the hydrate of the SPT.
Kind regards,
Rob