EVALUATION OF SILICA AEROGEL PREPARATION PARAMETERS ON THEIR MICROPLASTIC ADSORPTION EFFICIENCY

This study aimed to investigate how different synthesis conditions affect the efficiency of silica aerogels in removing microplastics from aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption tests were carried out using aerogels prepared under varied conditions, followed by physical and chemical characterization including porosity, hydrophobicity, and FTIR. The results indicated that aerogels synthesized with longer aging times and solvent exchange via Soxhlet extraction exhibited superior adsorptive performance. PCZ analysis suggested electrostatic attraction as the main adsorption mechanism, although the hydrophilic nature of the aerogels highlights the need for surface modification to enhance their efficiency in microplastic removal.