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.