Biosilica and Energy Corporation (BsEC) has a patented process for making amorphous silica, known as Biosilica made from rice hulls, which is currently used in low-value products. Rice hulls cannot be burned in open fields because of the haze that it creates nuisance. Rice hulls contain 18-20% SiO2 and burning the material will provide amorphous SiO2. This process has net zero CO2 emission, unlike fossil fuels. Rice hulls have significant calorific value and the heat from this process can be used for steam and power generation. One of the advantages of this process is that the use of rice hulls will not affect food production. Biosilica can be used in many high value applications as additives in additive cement, paints, plastics, tires and in the manufacture of zeolites. First Application:  we have synthesized composite of ZSM-5 and amorphous C (Combustible Carbon Content, CCC) using biosilica with 0 to 35% C. The CCC is an amorphous C and not graphitic as the remaining organic can be removed by combustion. When this composite material can be used as a filter for contaminated air or water, it will lead to the adsorption of polar and non-polar impurities. Second Application  for the high volume usage, it can be used for High Strength Concrete (HSC) applications. The HSC studies with the use of biosilica as pozzolan, were completed in Clemson University, SC and in University of Miami, FL. Research has shown that Biosilica can be used in HSC to improve durability of structures and reduce corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete. These studies showed similar or better performance than silica fume which is a common competing concrete additive. HSC could be used in several applications including high rise buildings, marine structures, pavements and bridges. For green buildings, the use of white cement will reduce radiation heat and energy cost.

Siliceous plants for biosilica material and energy

247th National Meeting (2014)

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