title: Graphene-Diatom Silica Aerogels for Efficient Removal of Mercury Ions from Water.
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.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: Shervin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kabiri
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: Diana N H
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Tran
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Azari
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: Dusan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Losic
keywords: adsorption; aerogel; diatomaceous earth; graphene; mercury