Abstract: The present invention discloses glycoxy silanes as a source of silica and silica precipitated by advantageous chemical reactions preferably beginning with biogenic silica. Alkoxy C—O—S1 are hydrolyzed in a controlled fashion to nucleate formation of nanoparticles of silica. The growth rate of the particles is controlled by various parameters such that particles of known sizes, size distributions, specific surface areas and pore sizes and size distributions are recovered.

Abstract: The present invention discloses glycoxy silanes as a source of silica and silica precipitated by advantageous chemical reactions preferably beginning with biogenic silica. Alkoxy C—O—S1 are hydrolyzed in a controlled fashion to nucleate formation of nanoparticles of silica. The growth rate of the particles is controlled by various parameters such that particles of known sizes, size distributions, specific surface areas and pore sizes and size distributions are recovered.

Abstract: A low cost process is provided for creating high purity silicon from agricultural waste, particularly rice hull ash. The process uses a series of chemical and thermal steps to yield high purity silica while using less energy and more efficient chemical processes. The high purity silicon features fewer impurities that negatively affect the use of high purity for PV cells and reduces capital and operating costs of processes to yield ultra-pure silicon.

Abstract: A method of producing alkoxysilanes and precipitated silicas from biogenic silicas is provided. In a first step, biogenically concentrated silica is mixed with a liquid polyol to obtain a mixture, and then the mixture is heated. In a second step, a base is added to obtain a reaction mixture. In a third step, the reaction mixture is filtered to remove the carbon enriched RHA or other undissolved biogenic silica and recover the solution of alkoxysilane and alcoholate. In a fourth step, alkoxysilane is purified by filtering, distilling, precipitating or extracting from the original reaction solution to precipitate various forms of silica. In a final step, residual base present in alkoxysilane is neutralized to eliminate the residual alkali metal base.

Abstract: The present invention discloses glycoxy silanes as a source of silica and silica precipitated by advantageous chemical reactions preferably beginning with biogenic silica. Alkoxy C—O—S1 are hydrolyzed in a controlled fashion to nucleate formation of nanoparticles of silica. The growth rate of the particles is controlled by various parameters such that particles of known sizes, size distributions, specific surface areas and pore sizes and size distributions are recovered.