Silicone Oil-Functionalized Hydrophobic Nano Silica: A Floating Sorbent for Organic Pollutant Removal in Aquatic Systems

Meso/microporous nano silica modified with macromolecular polymers produces attractive hybrids that repel water and have a hydrophobic surface, making them highly effective for targeting and eliminating organic contaminants in aquatic environments. In this study, nano silica was functionalized with silicone oil, an oligomeric siloxane derivative, to produce a hydrophobic silica nano hybrid characterized by a non-wetting water contact angle of 139°. This hydrophobic hybrid nano silica showed a sustainable floating nature on water even in turbulent streams. Due to such robust hydrophobic properties, the hybrid was explored for the separation of three different kinds of contaminants, such as (i) organic dyes, (ii) antibiotics, and (iii) nicotine. The concept of a floating sorbent has been innovatively introduced in this study through the application of silicone oil-modified nano silica. The adsorption experiments were systematically planned, and the data related to the percentage adsorption of contaminants with respect to dosage, pH, and concentration are reported. The results indicated an adsorption efficiency of >99% for cationic dyes with moderate adsorption observed for nicotine and antibiotics. The study highlights the significant potential of silicone oil-modified silica as a hydrophobic floating sorbent for environmental remediation. Buoyancy and strong water-repellent properties facilitate easy recovery and reuse, offering a sustainable and efficient method for the removal of diverse organic pollutants from water systems.