Production and Characterization of Biogenic Silica

Availability of agricultural biomass residues is increasing worldwide and these residues are used as the origin for making biogenic silica. These residues are eco-friendly, renewable and a rich source of silica content. They can be used in various applications such as bioenergy and bioavailability, engineering tools, materials required for construction and batteries, silica gels, catalysts and many more because of their cheap and cost-effective substrate. Now-a-days, the most important applications are use of silica nanoparticles, biomineralization and in the study of oceanic diatoms. To fulfill the requirements of industries, there is a need for production of large amounts of biosilica materials. This chapter illustrates various production methods of biogenic silica from agricultural wastes. It also provides the details of different medium for the optimum production of biogenic silica. However, characterization is very important to study the properties and functioning of any substrate before its application in any industrial process. This chapter also elaborates on the methods of characterization such as thermal analysis (TG–DTA), inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP–OES), X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as well as microwave-assisted process for silica production. Hence, a large production of silica from agricultural waste sustains the safety of environmental pollution, but also provides extra revenue and develops the sustainable economic growth.