# Kaolin-Derived Porous Silico-Aluminate Nanoparticles as Absorbents for Emergency Disposal of Toluene Leakage

## TL;DR

Researchers created a new type of nanoparticle from kaolin to quickly and efficiently remove toluene from water during spills.

## Contribution

A cost-effective, kaolin-based nanoparticle was developed for rapid toluene removal in emergency situations.

## Key findings

- The synthesized SANs showed high removal efficiency and rapid adsorption of toluene.
- The adsorption mechanism and kinetics were analyzed under various environmental conditions.
- The material is suitable for emergency disposal due to its cost-effectiveness and performance.

## Abstract

To rapidly eliminate toluene from aqueous environments during leakage accidents, this paper synthesized porous silico-aluminate nanoparticles (SANs) via a hydrothermal method, using cost-effective and non-toxic natural kaolin as the basic raw material. The morphology and structure of the porous SANs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and BET-specific surface area tests. The effects of different conditions, such as the dosage of porous SANs, initial concentration of toluene, temperature, capture time, and pH, on the adsorption performance of porous SANs were analyzed. The as-prepared SANs exhibited a high removal efficiency and rapid adsorption performance toward toluene in aqueous solution. Finally, the kinetics of the adsorption of toluene in aqueous solution by porous SANs were investigated. The mechanism of the adsorption of toluene by porous SANs was further discussed. These findings provide a cost-effective and highly efficient absorbent for the emergency disposal of toluene leakage accidents.