Graphene-Diatom Silica Aerogels for Efficient Removal of Mercury Ions from Water

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Abstract
A simple synthetic approach for the preparation of graphene-diatom silica composites in the form of self-assembled aerogels with three-dimensional networks from natural graphite and diatomite rocks is demonstrated for the first time. Their adsorption performance for the removal of mercury from water was studied as a function of contact time, solution pH, and mercury concentration to optimize the reaction conditions. The adsorption isotherm of mercury fitted well with the Langmuir model, representing a very high adsorption capacity of >500 mg of mercury/g of adsorbent. The prepared aerogels exhibited outstanding adsorption performance for the removal of mercury from water, which is significant for environmental applications.
Funding Information
  • University of Adelaide
  • School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide
  • Australian Research Council (FT110100711)

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