Incorporation of nanoscale zero-valent iron particles inside the channels of SBA-15 silica rods by a “two solvents” reduction technique

► A “two solvents” reduction technique is founded to in situ synthesize NZVIs inside the channels of SBA-15 rods. ► The resulting NZVIs/SBA-15 composites are characterized. ► The mechanism of the incorporated NZVIs formation is proposed. ► NZVIs/SBA-15 composites have higher reactivity for Cr(VI) removal than NZVIs supported on the surface of SBA-15.