Kabiri, S.Tran, D.Azari, S.Losic, D.2015-10-152015-10-152015ACS applied materials & interfaces, 2015; 7(22):11815-118231944-82441944-8252http://hdl.handle.net/2440/95304A simple synthetic approach for the preparation of graphene-diatom silica composites in the form of self-assembled aerogels with three-dimensional networks from natural graphite and diatomite rocks is demonstrated for the first time. Their adsorption performance for the removal of mercury from water was studied as a function of contact time, solution pH, and mercury concentration to optimize the reaction conditions. The adsorption isotherm of mercury fitted well with the Langmuir model, representing a very high adsorption capacity of >500 mg of mercury/g of adsorbent. The prepared aerogels exhibited outstanding adsorption performance for the removal of mercury from water, which is significant for environmental applications.en© 2015 American Chemical SocietyGraphene; diatomaceous earth; aerogel; adsorption; mercuryJournal article003003310710.1021/acsami.5b011590003563167000142-s2.0-84935891145187892Kabiri, S. [0000-0002-2269-6075]Tran, D. [0000-0002-4023-3373]Losic, D. [0000-0002-1930-072X]