Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of toxic organic molecules containing multiple fused aromatic rings, are found in air, soil and water as a by-product from the incomplete combustion of organic matter. We report on the modification of silica gel using lipophilic molecules containing carboxylic acids, for anchoring to the surface via hydrogen bonds. The lipophilic component captures aqueous PAH, specifically phenanthrene, through the agency of π–π and π–sp³ interactions. The structure–sorption-relationships suggest optimum phenanthrene adsorption is achieved with unsaturated bonds in linear chains or two phenyl rings. Examples include linoleic acid or 2,3-diphenylpropionic acid with removal values of 281 and 283 ng PAH per gram of silica gel, respectively. Saturation adsorption is achieved within four hours. Proposed modes of binding of the new reverse phase silica gels with phenanthrene are described. Recycling of the silica gel is accomplished by washing with organic solvents to remove PAH.

多环芳烃（PAHs）是一类含有多个稠合芳环的有毒有机分子，在空气，土壤和水中被发现为有机物不完全燃烧的副产物。我们报道了使用含有羧酸的亲脂性分子对硅胶进行的改性，以通过氢键锚定在表面上。亲脂性成分通过π–π和π–sp ³的机构捕获PAH水溶液，特别是菲互动。结构-吸附-关系表明，通过线性链或两个苯环中的不饱和键可以实现最佳的菲吸附。实例包括亚油酸或2,3-二苯丙酸，其去除值分别为每克硅胶281和283 ng PAH。在四个小时内达到饱和吸附。描述了新型反相硅胶与菲的结合方式。硅胶的回收是通过用有机溶剂洗涤以除去PAH来完成的。