Fabrication of Pomelo-Peel Sponge Aerogel Modified with Hexadecyltrimethoxysilane for the Removal of Oils/Organic Solvents

Problems from water contamination of oil and organic solvents have become more serious in recent years. We report research describing the fabrication of a hydrophobic sponge aerogel from pomelo peel for oil/water separation. Hydrophobic pomelo peel sponge aerogel (HPSA-1) was synthesized via dispersion, freeze-drying, and chemical vapor deposition (salinization) with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane. The morphology and chemical properties of the sponge aerogels were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared. HPSA-1 was examined for use to remove some oils and organic solvents floating on water. HPSA-1 aerogels had medium absorption capacity; however, removal ability and the absorption of HPSA-1 were saturated at exposure times of 10 s. Diesel oil was the highest absorbate with absorption capacity (3.08-3.64 g g(-1)) and recovery percent of 48.15-59.46%. Removal abilities of selected oils and organic solvents floating on water using HPSA-1 at 10 s were investigated. HPSA-1 absorbed the oils and organic solvents in the range of 1.98-3.85 g g(-1), with absorption levels depending on their types. Of the oils tested, palm oil had the highest absorption level with HPSA-1 removal at 3.85 g g(-1) and 57.5%, respectively.

Automated summary

This study reports on the fabrication of a hydrophobic sponge aerogel from pomelo peel for oil/water separation. The synthesized HPSA-1 showed medium absorption capacity for oils and organic solvents, with absorption saturated at exposure times of 10 s. It was found that HPSA-1 had higher absorption capacity for diesel oil and palm oil.