A functionalized phosphonate-rich organosilica layered hybrid material (PSLM) fabricated through a mild process for heavy metal uptake

- Novel phosphonate-rich organosilica layered hybrid material (PSLM) fabricated through a mild xerogel process.
- Surface Complexation Modeling reveals that PSLM bears 2 types of functional groups able to bind heavy metal.
- Maximum metal uptake capacities were found 2.72 mmol g−1 for Cu2+, 1.67 mmol g−1 for Pb2+ and 1.00 mmol g−1 for Cd2+ at pH 7.
- EPR spectroscopy reveals local coordination environment for Cu2+ ions.