| Abstract Scope |
We developed techniques to first grow diatom monocultures, and then harvest and purify their silica frustules at gram scales. From these frustules we made a range of different bulk materials that leave the diatoms' delicate nano- and microstructure intact. Correspondingly, these materials feature low specific gravities, typically in the range 0.1–0.2. We can 3D-print these materials, which allowed us to make samples featuring up to eight levels of structural hierarchy. We were able to make materials with specific mechanical properties comparable to cement and with high thermal resistivities of up to 17 K·m/W, comparable to styrofoam, yet with thermal stabilities of up to 600 °C. Importantly, diatoms are photosynthetic organisms, which means that their growth sequesters carbon, while producing oxygen. Mass-production of these multi-functional performance materials thus comes with a small carbon footprint. |