Gold nanoparticles supported on functionalized silica for adsorption and oxidation of toluene

Gold nanoparticles supported on amido-amidoxime functionalized silica (Au-Ami-SiO2) were prepared and used as adsorbent for toluene vapor adsorption. The adsorption capacity in a fixed bed system at ambient temperature increased with increasing contact time, and decreased with the increase in flow rate. The maximum adsorption capacity of 1.36 g g−1 was obtained in suitable conditions. Catalytic oxidation of toluene vapor using Au-Ami-SiO2 was also performed in air: (i) in the continuous system, the highest toluene removal percentage was 53% at 685 mg m−3 at 448 K, and (ii) in the static system, the highest value was 87% at 548 K. [Display omitted] •Amido-amidoxime silica (Ami-SiO2) can reduce gold ions to gold nanoparticles.•Gold nanoparticles supported on amido-amidoxime silica (Au-Ami-SiO2) were prepared.•Au-Ami-SiO2 is potential adsorbent/catalyst for toluene removal.•Adsorption and catalytic oxidation in static and continuous systems were evaluated.•Excellent toluene removal efficiency of Au-Ami-SiO2 was achieved.