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.

Electrocatalysis technology is crucial for energy conversion. However, its widespread application is hindered by the high cost and scarcity of noble metal catalysts. Biogenic siliceous materials, such as diatomite (DT), characterized by hierarchical pore structures and inherent stability, offers a robust platform for developing efficient, cost-effective non-noble metal catalysts. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the DT functionalization and utilization as a template or precursor for synthesizing porous carbon (PC)-based, silicon-based, and metal compound catalysts. The review specifically evaluates the performance of biogenic siliceous materials in key electrocatalytic reactions, including the oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, and carbon dioxide reduction reaction. Finally, the review outlines research directions to address current challenges, highlighting the criticality of optimizing structural regulations and controllable synthesis to facilitate the practical application of these electrocatalytic materials.