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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.

The molecular-scale self-assembly of a 3D aluminosiloxane (Al-O-Si) hybrid gel network was successfully performed via the cocondensation of hydrolyzed alumina (AlOOH) and (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APS). It was transformed into a microspherical aerogel framework of Al-O-Si containing mesochannels with tunable hierarchically bimodal meso/macroporosities by a subcritical drying technique. Good homogeneity of AlOOH and APS brought during the synthesis guaranteed a uniform distribution of two metal oxides in a single body. A systematic characterization of the aerogel support was carried out using FTIR, SEM, TEM, nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis, WAXS, SAXS, and ξ-potential measurement in order to explore the material for drug uptake and release. The drug loading and release capacity and chemical stability of an aluminosiloxane aerogel were studied using two nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, ibuprofen and aspirin. A comprehensive evaluation of the aluminosiloxane aerogel with ordered mesoporous MCM-41 was also performed. Aerogel supports showed a high drug loading capacity and a pH-responsive controlled-release property compared to MCM-41. Meanwhile, kinetic modeling studies indicate that the drug releases with a zero-order profile following the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The biocompatibility of aluminosiloxane aerogels was established via ex vivo and in vivo studies. We also outline the use of aluminosiloxane aerogel as a support for a possible 3D matrix for an osteoconductive structure for bone tissue engineering.