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

中文翻译：

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绿色纳米二氧化硅，用于去除空气中的单芳烃

我们展示了通过环保路线制备的绿色纳米二氧化硅（GN）在去除挥发性有机化合物（VOC）中的新型应用。在这里，我们的目标是建立GN作为传统中孔二氧化硅替代单芳烃（MAHC）的可行替代品。结果表明，GN具有与先前报道的介孔二氧化硅相当的高提取效率。结果表明，定制的GN可以轻松地合成其物理性质和MAHC吸附能力。为了了解GN对MAHC的吸附作用，对它们的孔隙率，形貌和孔结构进行了表征。观察到广泛的孔径分布，特别是 GN中介孔和微孔的存在有助于提高MAHC的提取效率和选择性。尽管从商业角度看，需要进一步优化GN来代替传统的吸附剂，但这项工作显然突出了“绿色”吸附剂的新系列，该吸附剂的制备可以显着减少二次污染，并有可能在选择性气体分离中应用。

图形概要