Synthesis and Application of Silica Aerogel-MWCNT Nanocomposites for Adsorption of Organic Pollutants

Authors

1 Department of Chemical Engineering,University of Tehran

2 National Nuclear Safety Department,Sharif University of Technology

Abstract

Silica aerogel-multi wall carbon nanotube composites were synthesized successfully with a
waterglass precursor and an ambient pressure drying method. Pure silica aerogels are so fragile that
they cannot be used easily. Carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were used as reinforcements to strengthen the
mechanical properties of pure silica aerogels. Results show that inserting small amounts of MWCNT
causes silica aerogels to monolith. By addition of MWCNT, monolith nanocomposites were produced
with 800 m2/g surface area and a 140contact angle. Results show that the silica aerogels and reinforced
composites have an excellent adsorption property for the removal of organic pollutants from water. The
average adsorption capacity was about 5 times the composite weight for benzene, toluene, n-Hexane,
kerosene, gasoline and petroleum. The adsorption isotherm was type IV for pure silica aerogels and
nanocomposites, which is ideal for excellent adsorbency. Addition of MWCNTs will not decrease the
pollutant adsorption capacity of the aerogels. TEM, SEM, FTIR, contact angle, BET, BJH and the
porosity of pure silica aerogels and nanocomposites are measured and reported. Adsorption isotherms
show that synthesized adsorbents obey the Freundlich isotherm equation.

Keywords

Scientia Iranica
Volume 17, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
Transactions on Nanotechnology (F)
April 2010

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