Hydrophobic nano sponge for efficient removal of diesel fuel from water and soil.

Diesel fuel (DF)-contamination remediation has aroused increasing concern in environmental field. In our work, nano sponge was modified by silylation of amino silicon oil (ASO) and aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to obtain hydrophobic nano sponge (SPAA). SPAA possessed a micro/nano network structure and could efficiently adsorb DF through hydrophobic polysiloxane group. The results revealed that SPAA could effectively remove DF and control its migration in water and soil under various conditions. Importantly, SPAA could inhibit the harmful effect of DF on the growth of plants, earthworms, and fish. Therefore, this work provides a promising and low-cost approach for removal of DF from water and soil, which might have a potential application value. Unlabelled Image • A hydrophobic nano sponge (SPAA) was fabricated to adsorb diesel fuel (DF). • SPAA could effectively control DF migration and remove DF from water and soil. • SPAA displayed a relatively good reuse performance. • DF could be conveniently separated from SPAA. • SPAA was stable against coexisting ions and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]