Solutions of silicon metal and methods of making and using same

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a formulation created by reacting sodium hydroxide, water, and silicon metal which has unique properties and many uses. The instant invention is further directed to methods of producing and using such formulations.

1 . A method for extracting oil from tar sands comprising:
 contacting said tar sands with an aqueous silicon solution, separating the sand from the solution, and recovering the oil from the solution.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the aqueous silicon solution comprises SiO 2  and Na 2 O, in a ratio of SiO 2  to Na 2 O, by mass, of at least 3.8:1. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the aqueous silicon solution has a pH of greater than 8.5. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the aqueous silicon solution can be re-used after being used for extracting oil from tar sands.