Structural Engineering of Diatomite-Based Photocatalysts: From Pore-Confined Synthesis to Environmental Remediation

This article reviews recent engineering modifications and improvement methods that make natural diatomite an excellent, environmentally friendly catalyst for environmental protection and energy applications. In terms of regulation of the pore structure and surface properties for enhancing catalytic performance and expanding applications. Through physical alteration, chemical alteration or both types of modification on diatomite to make it actived and generate accessibile porosity and numerous active sites, thus enhancing its catalytic performance. Furthermore, at the same time as having adsorption and catalytic activity for pollutant conversion during pollution treatment by concentrating/degradating efficiency may rise. Recent studies show that such a connection can enhance pollutant adsorption efficiency simultaneously in gas-liquid and liquid-solid systems substantially. Representative cases of catalytic treatments: volatile organic compounds (VOCs), antibiotics residues, and heavy metal ions. Diatomite not only provides support but can also act as a mediator during the reaction process to enhance the reaction rate constants even more significantly. There is still difficulty in strictly controlling the microstructure to maintain a stable environment for active sites at different times and clarify interface reactions mechanisms. In the future, more research will be conducted on Diatomite-based materials for photocatalysis, advanced oxidation processes and energy conversion technologies.