Al-centered functionalized inorganic–organic hybrid sorbent containing N and S donor atoms for effective removal of cadmium

A new aluminium-incorporated layered inorganic–organic hybrid material (Al-GPTS-TU) has been successfully synthesized by using sol–gel based precursor under mild temperature condition and silylaing agent (GPTS-TU) derived from the reaction of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTS) and thiourea (TU). The hybrid material was characterized by using various instrumentation techniques and the result confirmed the attachment of organic functionality to the inorganic silicon network. The inter-lamellar distance for the hybrid material was found to be 41.33 Å. The synthesized hybrid was used for the removal of cadmium from dilute aqueous solution with variation of solution parameters. Thermodynamic parameters ΔH and ΔS, evaluated for the adsorption of cadmium from water solution, were found to be 73.68 kJ mol−1 and 282.9 J mol−1 K−1, respectively, indicating adsorption process to be endothermic in nature. The negative value of ΔG indicated the feasibility and spontaneity of ongoing adsorption process. The hybrid material containing multiple coordination sites such as S and N in the attached organic functionality can find potential applications for the removal of various metal toxicants from water bodies to prevent the eco-system.

We report the synthesis and cadmium removal properties of a layered inorganic–organic aluminium silicate (Al-GPTS-TU) containing multiple coordination sites in the pendant organic functionalities.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide