Green Nanosilicas for Monoaromatic Hydrocarbons Removal from Air

Abstract

We demonstrate a novel application of green nanosilicas (GN), prepared via an environmentally friendly route, in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Herein, we aim to establish GN as viable alternatives to traditional mesoporous silicas for the removal of monoaromatic hydrocarbons (MAHC). The results show that the GN have high extraction efficiencies comparable to those previously reported for mesoporous silicas. It was demonstrated that bespoke GN can be syntheised readily with the ability to tailor their physical properties and MAHC adsorption. In order to understand the MAHC adsorption by GN, their porosity, morphology and pore structure were characterised. It was observed that the combination of broad pore size distribution and, in particular, the presence of meso- and micro-porosity in GN contributed to high MAHC extraction efficiencies and selectivity. Although from a commercial viewpoint, further optimisation of GN is desirable in order to replace traditional sorbents, this work clearly highlights a new family of “green” sorbents, which can be prepared with a substantial reduction in secondary pollution with potential applications in selective gas separation. Graphical Abstract

Microbe–Mineral Interaction-Induced Microorganism-Augmented Permeable Reactive Barriers for Remediation of Contaminated Soil and Groundwater: A Review

“…Monoaromatic hydrocarbons are common contaminants produced by human activities, which may threaten human health . Benzene, nitrobenzene (NB), ethylbenzene, etc., are widely used in the chemical industry to synthesize other products .…”

“…78 At present, monoaromatic hydrocarbons have been identified by the WHO as a strong carcinogen. 76 The high solubility of monoaromatic hydrocarbons accelerates their transport and contamination risk, which is seriously harmful to human health. 79 Currently, researchers have developed various types of Bio-PRBs for the treatment of soil and groundwater contaminated with monoaromatic compounds, and the k increased by 119− 395% in Bio-PRBs when compared with those of poly(vinyl alcohol) and biochar PRBs 35 and ZVI-PRBs.…”

“…Monoaromatic hydrocarbons are common contaminants produced by human activities, which may threaten human health. 76 Benzene, nitrobenzene (NB), ethylbenzene, etc., are widely used in the chemical industry to synthesize other products. 77 They are representative light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL), which are released during their use and accumulated above the groundwater table.…”

Recent Advances in Enabling Green Manufacture of Functional Nanomaterials: A Case Study of Bioinspired Silica

“…Importantly, they also offer enhanced access and enhanced performance, offering entry to and opening up of new markets. Examples include environmental decontamination, i.e., pollutant removal from water and air. − Ordered mesoporous silica is a specialist subset of SGS with applications, for example, in drug delivery. Established laboratory and low-volume benchmarks currently face commercialization barriers due to cost, scalability, and environmental impact.…”

“…Importantly, they also offer enhanced access and enhanced performance, offering entry to and opening up of new markets. Examples include environmental decontamination, i.e., pollutant removal from water and air. − …”