Nanostructured silicon (Si) is useful in many applications and has typically been synthesized by bottom-up colloid-based solution processes or top-down gas phase reactions at high temperatures. These methods, however, suffer from toxic precursors, low yields, and impractical processing conditions (i.e., high pressure). The magnesiothermic reduction of silicon oxide (SiO) has also been introduced as an alternative method. Here, we demonstrate the reduction of SiO by a simple milling process using a lab-scale planetary-ball mill and industry-scale attrition-mill. Moreover, an ignition point where the reduction begins was consistently observed for the milling processes, which could be used to accurately monitor and control the reaction. The complete conversion of rice husk SiO to high purity Si was demonstrated, taking advantage of the rice husk's uniform nanoporosity and global availability, using a 5L-scale attrition-mill. The resulting porous Si showed excellent performance as a Li-ion battery anode, retaining 82.8% of the initial capacity of 1466 mAh g after 200 cycles.

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Biomass is recognized as one of important renewable energy sources because it can be converted and used as solid, gaseous and liquid forms. Also, biomass is one of promising ways to solve the depletion of fossil fuels and global warming problems. The information about local biomass energy potentials and space energy densities can be powerfully utilized to determine the scale of biomass energy conversion plant and to analyze economic effects. The latest data on domestic biomass resources, such as agricultural, forestry, livestock and urban wastes, were collected from various government organizations and institutes and were analyzed to calculate biomass energy potential and space energy density. As local areas in South Korea to collect biomass resources increased, energy potentials increased, but space energy densities of total biomass decreased.

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