Hydrophobic aerogel-like hollow boehmite microspheres towards effectively removing oils and organic liquids

The self-assemble hydrophobic aerogel-like hollow boehmite microspheres adsorbents were prepared by surface silylation modification method using methyltrimethoxysilane silanizing agent. The density of the adsorbents was as low as 0.1 g/cm3, the average pore diameter was 12.2–15.3 nm, and the water contact angle was 130°∼143.8°. The hollow microsphere adsorbents could uptake 8.51 g/g for engine oil, 8.42 g/g for peanut oil, 7.29 g/g for kerosene and 5.80 g/g for n-hexane. After 20 regeneration cycles in n-hexane, the regeneration rate of the adsorbent was still as high as 95.17 %，meaning adsorption capacity of the adsorbent did not decrease significantly. The aerogel-like hollow boehmite microspheres with good hydrophobicity can be used as a kind of potential candidate material to remove different oils and organic liquids. [Display omitted] •The HAHBM microspheres adsorbents were prepared by for removing oils and organic liquids.•The average pore diameter of the adsorbent is 12.2–15.3 nm, and the water contact angle reaches 143.8°.•The adsorbent can uptake various oils and organic liquids, such as 8.51 g/g engine oil and 5.80 g/g n-hexane.•After 20 regeneration cycles, the regeneration rate of the adsorbent is still as high as 95.17 %.