The performances of an innovative material based on graphene multilayers in a 3D structure similar to expanded graphite, Grafysorber® G+ (Directa Plus), have been tested via in field applications on a real contaminated site. Several experimental tests were performed using Grafysorber® inside adsorbent devices (booms and pillows) to treat waters polluted by oil. The experimental campaign was carried out with the aim of comparing the performances of Grafysorber® with those of polypropylene (PP), which is the material used worldwide in case of water oil spill clean-up activities. The results achieved have confirmed a considerably higher selective adsorption capacity of Grafysorber® compared to PP, and configure the new material as a promising alternative to standard materials in enhancing oil spill remediation by selective adsorption.
Keywords: hydrocarbons removal; innovative adsorbents; selective adsorption; super-expanded graphite; water remediation.