Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of mesoporous silicates for adsorption of metal ions

Abstract

In this study mesoporous silicates MCM-41 and SBA-15 were investigated for their potential as metal ion-selective adsorbents. The greatest advantage of these materials is their large surface area, uniform pore size and controlled surface chemistry, and hence their potential for adsorption processes. The studies of the adsorption of transition metal ions onto MCM-41 examined the comparative adsorption behavior of Zn(II) and Cu(II), using acetylacetone (Hacac) as a chelating agent. The results showed that the MCM-41/Hacac system has potential as an ion-selective adsorbent material. However, due to the relatively small pore size and potential instability of MCM-41 when immersed in water for lon..