Graphene-Diatom\nSilica Aerogels for Efficient Removal\nof Mercury Ions from Water

Abstract

A simple synthetic approach for the\npreparation of graphene-diatom\nsilica composites in the form of self-assembled aerogels with three-dimensional\nnetworks from natural graphite and diatomite rocks is demonstrated\nfor the first time. Their adsorption performance for the removal of\nmercury from water was studied as a function of contact time, solution\npH, and mercury concentration to optimize the reaction conditions.\nThe adsorption isotherm of mercury fitted well with the Langmuir model,\nrepresenting a very high adsorption capacity of >500 mg of mercury/g\nof adsorbent. The prepared aerogels exhibited outstanding adsorption\nperformance for the removal of mercury from water, which is significant\nfor environmental applications.