Removal of aqueous toxic Hg(II) by functionalized mesoporous silica materials

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Title: Removal of aqueous toxic Hg(II) by functionalized mesoporous silica materials
Author(s): Zhang, Lijun; Goh, Sheena; Hu, Xun; Crawford, Russell; Yu, Aimin
Abstract: Background: Hg(II) is one of the most toxic metals and has received particular attention in environmental pollution. Hg(II) pollution is common in water sources, so rapid and efficient methods must be developed for its removal from water samples. Mesoporous silica (MS) is an ideal adsorbent due to its high surface area and biocompatibility. The efficiency and selectivity of MS adsorbents can be improved by surface modification. Results: A new sorbent for trace Hg(II) removal was developed by grafting 1-(3-carboxyphenyl)-2-thiourea (CPTU) onto SBA-15 mesoporous silica. The optimum pH range for Hg(II) adsorption was 3-7 and the maximum static adsorption capacity was 64.5 mg g−1. An enrichment factor of 150 was obtained with a relative standard deviation < 1.5% (n = 8). Common coexisting ions did not interfere with the adsorption of Hg(II) under optimal conditions. Quantitative recovery was achieved by stripping with a mixed solution of 1 mol L−1 HCl and 5% CS(NH2)2. Efficient adsorption capacity of the recycled material could still be maintained at a level of 95% at the 7th cycle. Conclusion: 1-(3-carboxyphenyl)-2-thiourea functionalized SBA-15 mesoporous silica was synthesized and applied for Hg(II) removal from water samples with high efficiency and selectivity.
Publication type: Journal article
Research centre: Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Life and Social Sciences
Source: Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Vol. 87, no. 10 (Oct 2012), pp. 1473-1479
Publication year: 2012
Keyword(s): 1-(3-carboxyphenyl)-2-thiourea; Adsorption; CPTU; HG(II); Mercury; Mercury removal; Mesoporous silica; Preconcentration; Water
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISSN: 0268-2575
Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jctb.3771
Research Projects: Facility for studying the sorption properties of gases by nanostructured materials, Australian Research Council grant number LE0989180
Additional information: The authors acknowledge support from the Australian Research Council under its Discovery Project Scheme (DP0776086) and Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities Scheme (LE0989180).
Peer reviewed