Diatomite is a natural nanoscale dry gel powder that is worth utilizing.

It is composed primarily of SiO2 and is the fossilized remains of ancient diatoms. It has a branched, porous, and large surface area structure with the properties of a dry gel, essentially a nanoscale dry gel SiO2 powder. In China, diatomite is widely distributed with a large reserve, and is currently mainly used for the production of thermal insulation bricks, as an aid in beer filtration, and for road paving.

After more than 10 years of research into the use of diatomite as the main raw material for the production of inorganic non-metallic materials, various materials with different performance and usage values have been developed. The method adopted has a higher temperature change ratio than hydrothermal treatment but lower than using ordinary raw materials, and the time required is also shorter. Experimental evidence shows the superiority of this method. The performance of the products is stable, they have great potential for promotion, and can provide significant value.

These are five main uses of diatomite as the main raw material:

1. Manufacturing of microporous glass through hydrothermal treatment of diatomite as the main raw material.

2. Production of inorganic separation membranes using diatomite as the main raw material.

3. Manufacturing of porous materials of several hundred micrometers in pore size using diatomite as the main raw material.

4. Production of hollow glass beads using diatomite as the main raw material.

5. Manufacturing of organosilicon compounds using diatomite  as the main raw material.