Application of functionalized nano HMS type mesoporous silica with N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl methyldimethoxysilane as a suitable adsorbent for removal of Pb (II) from aqueous media and industrial wastewater

In this work, adsorption characteristics of nano NH2-HMS (functionalized HMS type mesoporous silica with amine groups) for the removal of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solutions were investigated. The adsorbent was characterized using FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR and BET. The adsorption of Pb (II) ions by batch method was applied and the optimum conditions were investigated. In optimum experimental conditions, removal efficiency was 99.08%. It was found that temperature has a positive effect on the removal efficiency. The thermodynamic parameters were evaluated, as well. The evaluated thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH and ΔS) showed that the adsorption of Pb (II) ions onto nano NH2-HMS was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic in nature. It can be concluded that NH2-HMS is potentially able to remove Pb (II) ions from aqueous solutions. Also, more than 90% of desorption efficiency was achieved using 0.01 M HNO3.