Surface modification of alumina nanofibres for the selective adsorption of alachlor and imazaquin herbicides

► This study focuses on the surface modification of γ-Al2O3 nanofibres by the grafting of two organosilane agents 3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane and octyl-triethoxysilane onto the surface. ► Those grafts can establish super hydrophobic sites along the surfaces which facilitate the selective removal of alachlor and imazaquin herbicides from water. ► The grafting process provides an efficient and extremely large uptake capacity occurred within the protruding adsorption sites.