Diatom and Diatomite: Different Focus on Natural Media to Material Science Path

Bio-silica issued from diatom, a microalgae, is attracted increasing attention in material science thanks to its peculiar nanoarchitecture and related properties with versatile applications. The present work is a deep analysis on morphological and chemical properties of bio-silica issued from fossil origin (diatomaceous earth) and living one (algal paste). An optimization in purification protocol was performed to obtain multiparous bio-silica from its raw media with keeping its original shape entirely. Multiple characterization methods as scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (DRX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), nitrogen adsorption and inverse gas chromatography (IGC), were used to check the purification protocol efficiency as well as to gather accurate information on morphology and chemical composition of diatom material obtained in large amount.

Surface reconstruction,modification and functionalization of natural diatomites for miniaturization of shaped heterogeneous catalysts

Since the discovery of mesoporous silica in 1990s,there have been numerous mesoporous silica-based nanomaterials developed for catalytic applications,aiming at enhanced catalytic activity and stability.Recently,there have also been considerable interests in endowing them with hierarchical porosities to overcome the diffusional limitation for those with long unimodal channels.Present processes of making mesoporous silica largely rely on chemical sources which are relatively expensive and impose environmental concerns on their processes.In this regard,it is desirable to develop hierarchical silica supports from natural minerals.Herein,we present a series of work on surface reconstruction,modification,and functionalization to produce diatomite-based catalysts with original morphology and macro-meso-micro porosities and to test their suitability as catalyst supports for both liquid-and gas-phase reactions.Two wet-chemical routes were developed to introduce mesoporosity to both amorphous and crystalline diatomites.Importantly,we have used computational modeling to affirm that the diatomite morphology can improve catalytic performance based on fluid dynamics simulations.Thus,one could obtain this type of catalysts from numerous natural diatoms that have inherently intricate morphologies and shapes in micrometer scale.In principle,such catalytic nanocomposites acting as miniaturized industrial catalysts could be employed in microfluidic reactors for process intensification.

Preparation of nano-TiO_2/diatomite-based porous ceramics and their photocatalytic kinetics for formaldehyde degradation

Diatomite-based porous ceramics were adopted as carriers to immobilize nano-TiO_2 via a hydrolysis-deposition technique. The thermal degradation of as-prepared composites was investigated using thermogravimetric–differential thermal analysis, and the phase and microstructure were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that the carriers were encapsulated by nano-TiO_2 with a thickness of 300–450 nm. The main crystalline phase of TiO_2 calcined at 650℃ was anatase, and the average grain size was 8.3 nm. The FT-IR absorption bands at 955.38 cm^(-1) suggested that new chemical bonds among Ti, O, and Si had formed in the composites. The photocatalytic(PC) activity of the composites was investigated under UV irradiation. Furthermore, the photodegradation kinetics of formaldehyde was investigated using the composites as the cores of an air cleaner. A kinetics study showed that the reaction rate constants of the gas-phase PC reaction of formaldehyde were κ = 0.576 mg·m^(–3)·min^(–1) and K = 0.048 m^3/mg.

Controlled synthesis of nanosized Si by magnesiothermic reduction from diatomite as anode material for Li-ion batteries

Li-ion batteries(LIBs)have demonstrated great promise in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.However,commercial graphite materials,the current predominant anodes in LIBs,have a low theoretical capacity of only 372 mAh·g?1,which cannot meet the everincreasing demand of LIBs for high energy density.Nanoscale Si is considered an ideal form of Si for the fabrication of LIB anodes as Si–C composites.Synthesis of nanoscale Si in a facile,cost-effective way,however,still poses a great challenge.In this work,nanoscale Si was prepared by a controlled magnesiothermic reaction using diatomite as the Si source.It was found that the nanoscale Si prepared under optimized conditions(800°C,10 h)can deliver a high initial specific capacity(3053 mAh·g?1 on discharge,2519 mAh·g?1 on charge)with a high first coulombic efficiency(82.5%).When using sand-milled diatomite as a precursor,the obtained nanoscale Si exhibited a well-dispersed morphology and had a higher first coulombic efficiency(85.6%).The Si–C(Si:graphite=1:7 in weight)composite using Si from the sand-milled diatomite demonstrated a high specific capacity(over 700 mAh·g?1 at 100 mA·g?1),good rate capability(587 mAh·g?1 at 500 mA·g?1),and a long cycle life(480 mAh·g?1 after 200 cycles at 500 mA·g?1).This work gives a facile method to synthesize nanoscale Si with both high capacity and high first coulombic efficiency.

Hydration Characteristics and Humidity Control Performance of Calcium Silicate Board Prepared from Mine Tailing and Diatomite

The feasibility of utilizing molybdenum tailing and diatomite as siliceous materials to prepare calcium silicate board was explored.The influences of molybdenum tailing/diatomite proportion on hydration characteristics,thermal conductivity,water absorption,flexural strength and moisture adsorption-desorption property of calcium silicate board were investigated in detail.The experimental results reveal that molybdenum tailing is environmentally friendly to prepare building materials.The main hydration products in calcium silicate board under autoclaved condition are C-S-H with low crystallinity and tobermorite.Molybdenum tailing is favorable to the formation of tobermorite.The flexural strength and bulk density of the calcium silicate board gradually increase when the content of molybdenum tailing increases.Netlike C-S-H is formed with the increase of diatomite content during autoclaved curing process,resulting in the enhancement of moisture adsorptiondesorption performance and the reduction of thermal conductivity.The optimal content of molybdenum tailing is 20%,furthermore,the flexual strength and thermal conductivity of calcium silicate board at this content meet the Chinese standard JC/T564.1-2008.

Enhanced visible-light-assisted peroxymonosulfate activation over MnFe_(2)O_(4) modified g-C_(3)N_(4)/diatomite composite for bisphenol A degradation

The MnFe_(2) O_(4)/g-C_(3) N_(4)/diatomite composites(Mn/G/D) were prepared via a facile precipitation-calcination method in this study.The Mn/G/D possessed higher specific surface area,lower electron-hole pairs' recombination rate,as well as wider and stronger visible light absorption capacity.Since the synergistic effect between g-C_(3 )N_(4) and MnFe_(2) O_(4),the photogene rated electron could transfer from g-C3 N4 to MnFe_(2) O_(4),which could promote the migration of electrons as well as enhance the photocatalytic activity and peroxymonosulfate(PMS) activation efficiency.Mn/G/D-5% composite displayed the excellent degradation performance of bisphenol A(BPA) with the removal efficiency of 99.9% under PMS/Vis system,which was approximately 2.47 and 63.8 times as high as that of the Mn/G/D-5%/PMS and Mn/G/D-5%/Vis system,respectively.Moreover,negative electricity derived from diatomite surface also promoted the photogenerated carriers' migration,and the degradation rate constant was around 2.4 times higher than that of MnFe_(2) O_(4)/g-C_(3) N_(4)(Mn/G).In addition,quenching experiments showed that both radical pathway(h^(+),·OH,·O_(2)^(-)and SO_(4)·^(-)) and non-radical pathway(^(1) O_(2)) were responsible for the degradation of BPA.

Hydrothermal Solidification of Diatomite and Its Heat Insulating Property

To meet the commercial requirements of inorganic heat insulators,the mixture of diatomite and Ca(OH)2 are evenly dispersed,mold-compacted,and then hydrothermally solidified due to the formation of tobermorite under an autoclaved process.Systematic investigations of the preparation conditions(including mix ratio,autoclaved factors,mold pressure,etc)were carried out to optimize the serving properties of such tobermorite-based products.As a result,a compressive strength of more than 30 MPa was realized for the specimen in high density(about 1.30(g·cm-3)).On the contrary,the specimen in light weight for example 0.63(g·cm-3)typically showed a thermal conductivity of around 0.12(W·m-1·K-1).The present work developed a feasible way to produce and to control the serving properties of diatomite-based heat insulators by a process of hydrothermal solidification,in which the optimized value of Ca/Si ratio was proposed to be 0.6~0.7,while the water content is 25% in weight,and hydrothermal reaction is performed at 180 ℃ for no more than 24 hours.

Enhanced chemical trapping and catalytic conversion of polysulfides by diatomite/MXene hybrid interlayer for stable Li-S batteries

Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries with high theoretical energy density are promising energy storage systems in the next decades, while the lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) shuttling caused by the sluggish sulfur redox reaction severely lowers the practical performance. The use of interlayer between the cathode and separator has been widely investigated to physically or chemically block the LiPSs, while the introduction of catalytic materials is a more effective strategy to accelerate the conversion of LiPSs. MXene with rich surface chemistry has shown its potential for facilitating the catalytic conversion, however, the aggregation of MXene sheets usually leads to the loss of the catalytic active sites. Herein, we report a diatomite/MXene (DE/MX) hybrid material as the bifunctional interlayer for improving the adsorption/conversion of LiPSs in Li-S batteries. The diatomite with porous structure and rich silica-hydroxyl functional groups could trap LiPSs effectively, while prevent the aggregation of MXene. The DE/MX based interlayer showed bifunctions of enhancing the chemical adsorption and promoting the conversion of LiPSs. The Li-S batteries with the DE/MX interlayer delivered an improved cycling stability with a low capacity decay of 0.059% per cycle over 1000 cycles at 1.0 C. Moreover, stable 200 cycles can be realized with a high sulfur loading electrode up to 6.0 mg cm^(−2). This work provides an effective strategy to construct bifunctional interlayers for hindering the shuttling of LiPSs and boosting the practical application of Li-S batteries.

Application of diatomite as an effective polysulfides adsorbent for lithium-sulfur batteries

The lithium–sulfur batteries show the great potential to be the most promising candidate for high energy applications. However, the shuttling of soluble polysulfides deteriorates the battery performance tremendously. To suppress the diffusion of soluble polysulfides, diatomite that has abundant natural three-dimensional ordered pores is incorporated into the cathode to trap polysulfides. The composite cathode material(S-DM-AB for short), including sulfur(S), diatomite(DM), and acetylene black(AB) is prepared by an impregnation method. For comparison, another composite cathode material(S-AB for short) including sulfur and acetylene black is also prepared by the same method. The battery with S-DMAB composite cathode material delivers a discharge capacity of 531.4 m Ah/g after 300 cycles at 2 C with a capacity retention of 51.6% at room temperature. By contrast, the battery with S-AB composite cathode material delivered a capacity of only 196.9 m Ah/g with a much lower capacity retention of 18.6% under the same condition. The addition of diatomite in the cathode is proved to be a cheap and effective way to improve the life time of the lithium sulfur batteries.

Functionalization of diatomite with glycine and amino silane for formaldehyde removal

Two amino-functionalized diatomite(DE)composites modified by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane(APTS)or glycine(GLY)(i.e.,APTS/DE and GLY/DE)were successfully synthesized via the wet chemical method for the time-and cost-efficient removal of indoor formaldehyde(HCHO).First,the optimal preparation conditions of the two composites were determined,and then their microstructures and morphologies were characterized and analyzed.Batch HCHO adsorption experiments with the two types of amino-modified DE composites were also conducted to compare their adsorption properties.Experimental results indicated that the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models could well describe the adsorption process,and the maximum adsorption capacities of APTS/DE and GLY/DE prepared under optimal conditions at 20°C were 5.83 and 1.14 mg·g^(-1),respectively.The thermodynamic parameters of the composites indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic.The abundant amine groups grafted on the surface of DE were derived from the Schiff base reaction and were essential for the high-efficient adsorption performance toward HCHO.

SCIENTIFIC BASES FOR PREPARATICN OF DIATOMITE AND PERLITE FLTER-AID

According to the filtration mechanism andfiltration formula, it is considered that thesurface area, bulk density and grain size distri-bution of filter-aid are the main factors affectingthe filtration rate. On the basis of analysing phy-sical and chemical properties of diatomite and per-lite, the scientific bases for preparation of filteraid are discussed. It is possible that the complexfilter aid, which is made up of low grade diatomiteand perlite, is favourable to build-up a fine"steely-bridged structure" for the filter cake, andits filtration performance of beer could be improvedas good as that of commercial filter-aid made fromhigh grade diatomite. The above points have beendemonstrated by the results of laboratorial andindustrial experiments of beer filtration.

STUDIES OF PURIFYING OF CLAYEY DIATOMITE

This article discusses the purifying method of the clayeydiatomite or cler-bearing diatomite minerals found in China.And theprocesses of acidizing,beneficiation and gravitational fluidized dry sepa-ration are reviewed.

Diatomite Precoated Nonwoven Membrane Bioreactor for Domestic Wastewater Reclamation

Nonwoven was selected as filtration materials in submerged membrane bioreactor( MBR) for domestic wastewater reclamation. For its hydrophobic membrane surface,diatomite was precoated on nonwoven to improve membrane hydrophilicity. In the precoating stage,diatomite dynamic membrane could be formed on10 μm polyethylene nonwoven surface efficiently and effluent turbidity could be below 5 nephelometric turbidity units( NTU).The MBR system was operated steadily under gravity flow and scanning electron microscope( SEM) analysis showed that nonwoven membrane was only partially fouled at the membrane flux of 5 L/( m2·h). Average removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand( COD) and NH +4-N were above 86 % and 50 %,respectively. The effluent turbidity and chromaticity were below 5 NTU and 25°,respectively. Those results could meet the requirements for wastewater reuse.

Lead Ions Sorption from Waste Solution Using Aluminum Hydroxide Modified Diatomite

This study investigated the effectiveness of aluminum modified diatomite in removing lead from aqueous solution. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the modified absorbents. Effects of several variables like pH, adsorbent dose, initial concentration and the reaction temperature on lead sorption were also investigated. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to describe the equilibrium data. Values of △H, △G and △S illustrated that the adsorption of lead is an endothermic process of nature. Comparing with the natural diatomite, the adsorption efficiency for the lead ions increased from 12.06% to 61.36% which indicated that aluminum modified diatomite can be used as a potential absorbent for lead ions.

Characterisation and Valorisation of the Moroccan Diatomite

Morocco is known for the diversity of its natural resources. In particular, the mineral substances, diatomites, material relatively abundant but poorly exploited in Morocco. The aim of this work is to determine the geochemical and textural characteristics of the different diatomite deposits of north-eastern Morocco in order to compile a database with the different properties of these sediments. These data are valuable to guide the use and exploitation of this natural georesource. Samples from 3 deposits were characterised by different techniques of analysis: sedimentological (granulometry, calcimetry), chemical (pH, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy coupled with EDX). We also performed thermogravimetric analysis of some samples. Results revealed that diatomite is a fine, moderately refractory material with a basic pH. While, the CaCo3 content varies between different deposits. It is composed mainly of silica and has a well-developed porosity. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis revealed a loss of mass with temperature increase. A moderate variation in the chemical composition of the diatomite was observed from one deposit to another. Generally, we can stipulate that the diatomite from the Rif deposit is relatively a good quality. It has relatively the same physico-chemical properties as the neighbouring regions.

Adsorption of rare earth elements onto diatomite M45:Experimental investigations and modeling with statistical physics theory

The separation of rare earth elements using diatomite M45 from aqueous solutions was studied.The experimental isotherms for the adsorption of trivalent lanthanum,cerium,and neodymium cations on this adsorbent were quantified under strongly acidic conditions(pH 2)at 298-328 K.The adsorption equilibria of these earth elements were analyzed using two statistical physics models(homogeneous and heterogeneous monolayer models).The results show that the adsorption of these ions implies a multiionic mechanism,which is exothermic.Si-containing functional groups are responsible for the adsorption of these rare-earth elements on the diatomite surface.A heterogeneous statistical physics model confirms that two Si-based functional groups participate in the separation of these cations.The calculated adsorption capacities at saturation follow the order:neodymium>cerium>lanthanum.Calculated interaction energies range from 28600 to 40100 J/mol,indicating physical adsorption on diatomite M45.This study demonstrates that diatomite M45 is a promising separation medium that can be used for the recovery of REEs dissolved in aqueous solutions via adsorption.

Natural high-porous diatomaceous-earth based self-floating aerogel for efficient solar steam power generation

The application of solar steam generation in seawater desalination is an effective way to solve the shortage of fresh water resources.At present,many kinds of photothermal conversion materials have been developed and used as evaporators in seawater desalination.However,some evaporators need additional thermal insulation or water supply devices to achieve efficient photothermal conversion.In addition,their complex,time consuming and no scalable preparation process,high cost of raw materials and poor salt resistance hinder the practical application of these evaporator.Owing to its distinctive nanoporous structure,diatomite as fossilized single-cells algae diatoms is a promising natural silica-based material for seawater desalination.They are taken from sea and that makes true sense to use them in the sea.Herein,we report the first example of synthesis robust three-dimensional(3D)natural-diatomite composite by assembling polyaniline nanoparticles covered diatomite into the polyvinyl alcohol pre-treated melamine foam frameworks and demonstrate its application as new evaporator for seawater desalination.The porous framework does not only improve the sunlight scattering efficiency,but also offer large network of channels for water transportation.The inherent mechanism behind salt desalination process involves the absorption of water molecules on the surface of the internal silica micro-nano pores,and evaporation under the heat induced by the polyaniline absorbed sunlight.Meanwhile,the metal ions are segregated by many available pores and channels to achieve the self-desalting effect.The developed evaporator possesses the superiority of multi-stage pore structure,strong hydrophilicity,low thermal conductivity,excellent light absorption,fast water transportation and salt-resistant crystallization as well as good durability.The evaporation rate without an additional device is found to be 1.689 kg m^(-2)h^(-1)under 1-Sun irradiation,and the energy conversion efficiency is as high as 95%.This work creates a platform and develops the prospect of employing green and sustainable natural-diatomite composite evaporator for practical applications of seawater desalination.

Preparation and Characterization of KNO3/Diatomite Shape-Stabilized Composite Phase Change Material for High Temperature Thermal Energy Storage

A new potassium nitrate(KNO_3)/diatomite shape-stabilized composite phase change material(SSCPCM) was prepared by the mixing and sintering method. KNO_3 served as the phase change material(PCM) for thermal energy storage, while diatomite acted as the carrier matrix to provide the structural strength and prevent the leakage of PCM. It was found that KNO_3 could be retained 65 wt% into pores and on surfaces of diatomite without the leakage of melted KNO_3 from the SS-CPCM. The calculated filling rate of molten KNO_3 that could enter into the disc-like shape pore of diatomite verified the scanning electronic microscopy images of SS-CPCM. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that no reaction occurred between KNO_3 and diatomite, performing good compatibility. According to the differential scanning calorimetry results, after 50 thermal cycles, the phase change temperatures for melting and freezing of SS-CPCM with 65 wt% KNO_3 were changed from 330.23 °C and 332.90 °C to330.11 °C and 332.84 °C and corresponding latent heats varied from 60.52 J/g and 47.30 J/g to 54.64 J/g and 41.25 J/g, respectively. The KNO_3/diatomite SS-CPCM may be considered as a potential storage media in solar power plants for thermal energy storage.

Preparation, characterization, and adsorption-photocatalytic activity of nano TiO_2 embedded in diatomite synthesis materials

Nano TiO_2 embedded in diatomite(NTED)synthesis materials were prepared by a sol-gel method in absolute ethyl alcohol suspension. NTED synthesis materials have a higher specific surface area and larger pore volume using micromeritics ASAP 2020. The result of characterization was measured by X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope(SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS). The cyanide wastewater was employed to evaluate the adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity of prepared NTED synthesis materials. The better photocatalytic activity and adsorption capacity of NTED synthesis materials are attributed to their high surface area and higher UV absorption intensity for the cyanide wastewater.

Diatomite supported nano zero valent iron with 3D network for peroxymonosulfate activation in efficient degradation of bisphenol A

Diatomite supported nano zero valent iron(n ZVI)catalyst(NDA)with complex network structure was prepared via a mild reduction precipitation method in this work.The pore structure and pore distribution of NDA can be regulated and controlled through adjusting the loading amount of n ZVI.In general,the nano three-dimensional network formed by n ZVI and diatomite channels greatly increase the specific surface area and pore volume of NDA,and further formed more active sites,which made NDA have better performance in activating PMS to degrade BPA than pure n ZVI.The pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant of 50-NDA(50%-n ZVI/diatomite)is almost 3 times higher than that of pure n ZVI.Besides,the electron paramagnetic resonance(EPR)and radical quenching experiments showed that the activation process was dominated by the sulfate radical(SO_(4)^(-))and hydroxyl radical(·OH)produced by Fe;oxidation.The generated electrons promote the self-decomposition of PMS to produce singlet oxygen(^(1)O_(2)),and then the valence state of iron changes to produce free radicals.In addition,the possible degradation pathway of BPA was inferred from the intermediate products identified by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer(LC-MS).This study provides a novel strategy for the design and preparation of three-dimensional composite catalysts derived from natural mineral.