Usage of aerogels as an adsorbent has become more widespread because ofits specifications such as high porosity and
specific surface. Nanometer silica aerogel and silica aerogel-activated carbon composites were synthesized using a
water glass precursor by ambient pressure drying method. Then, the adsorption capacity of synthesized adsorbents
was studied in terms of benzene and ethyl benzene adsorption by chromatography method for continuous and
batch testing. Results showed that silica aerogel and silica aerogel-activated carbon composites had high tendency
for benzene and ethyl benzene adsorption. Silica aerogel showed maximum adsorption capacity of 2.3 g g−1 and
0.7 g g−1 in static adsorption of benzene and ethyl benzene respectively. Also, in dynamic adsorption of benzene and
ethyl benzene, silica aerogel had maximum equilibrium adsorption capacity of 0.954 g g−1 and 0.219 g g−1 respectively.
Minimum equilibrium adsorption capacity in benzene and ethyl benzene static adsorption was related to activated
carbon with 0.7 g g−1 and silica aerogel–2 wt% activated carbon with 0.25 g g−1 respectively. After adsorption process,
silica aerogel and silica aerogel–0.5 wt% activated carbon composite were regenerated by solvent extraction–thermal
treatment method and, after at least 15 adsorption/desorption cycles, their adsorption capacity became fixed.