Fast, selective adsorption of Cu2+ from aqueous mixed metal ions solution using 1,4,7-triazacyclononane modified SBA-15 silica adsorbent (SBA-TACN)

• Synthesis of a new TACN modified mesoporous silica SBA-15 type adsorbent.
• The density of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane on SBA-15 is 1.22 mmol/g.
• First report on the selective Cu2+ adsorption by TACN modified mesoporous silica.
• Cu2+ adsorption capacity of the SBA-TACN can reach a maximum value of 0.67 mmol/g.
• Potential candidate for selective removal of Cu2+ from contaminated water samples.

A new SBA-15 supported 1,4,7-triazacyclononane modified mesoporous silica adsorbent (SBA-TACN) has been synthesized using post grafting route and has thoroughly been characterized by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), N2 adsorption–desorption measurements, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), solid-state 29Si MAS and 13C CP MAS NMR spectroscopy, transmission electron (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis (EA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The synthesized material shows excellent copper (II) ion adsorption selectivity at pH 5 in mixed metal ion solution containing Cu2+, Cr3+, Ni2+, Co2+ and Li+. The copper ion adsorption capacity of the SBA-TACN can reach a maximum value of 0.67 mmol/g. Possible adsorption mechanism of metal ions on SBA-TACN has been discussed. The adsorbent can be readily regenerated by HNO3–NH3 treatment.

A new SBA-15 supported 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TACN) modified mesoporous silica (SBA-TACN) adsorbent has been developed which shows excellent selectivity in Cu2+ adsorption from aqueous mixed metal ion solutions at pH 5. The copper ion adsorption capacity of the SBA-TACN can reach a maximum value of 0.67 mmol/g. The adsobent is stable enough to be used atleast for three cycles.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide