The paper provides a review of the synthesis and adsorptive properties of a novel class of precipitated silica materials. To enhance or tailor the adsorption efficiency, various trapping chemicals (potassium hydroxide, potassium permanganate) or co-adsorbents (coconut activated carbon) are incorporated in the structure of the substrate material. Further, it discusses the applicability and performance over time of the material as adsorbents for removal of hydrogen sulphide, sulphur dioxide and toluene contaminants which are potentially hazardous to sensitive equipment and more importantly, human health. Chemical substances in the air are an unavoidable by-product of most human endeavours within industry and transportation. The need for adsorbents to combat Airborne Molecular Contamination (AMC) follows from the continued intensification of the global environmental movement as well as the rapid industrialisation of developing countries. The removal performance of modified precipitated silica adsorbent shows that the new adsorbent can be tailored to remove low concentrations of sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and toluene contaminants at indoor environment conditions. The results further shows that the new precipitated silica adsorbent impregnated with 8 wt% KOH shows better performance than commercial alumina impregnated with 8 wt% KMnO₄.The adsorbent material may find interesting and efficient uses as passive sinks for pollutants incorporated into more traditional building products such as acoustic baffles or as ingredients in various coatings. The filter material is environmentally friendly and consists of benign chemicals that are abundant worldwide. Performance over time aspects, re-use and recycling of exhausted filter materials are key issues addressed.