Synthesis and characterization of diatomaceous earth chemically modified with γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane

A stationary phase for thin-layer chromatography has been prepared by bonding purified diatomaceous earth (rich in silica) with γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. The phase has been characterized by elemental analysis, measurement of the specific surface area, IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and chromatographic testing.