Synthesis, characterization and phenol adsorption of carbonyl-functionalized mesoporous silicas

Carbonyl-functionalized mesoporous silicas have been synthesized by co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane and varying contents of 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate in acidic medium with the block copolymer Pluronic 123 as a structure directing agent. The functionalized materials were characterized by PXRD, TEM, SEM, IR, and N 2 adsorption–desorption at 77 K. Adsorption of phenol in aqueous solution on the materials has been investigated. The experimental results showed that carbonyl-functionalized mesoporous silicas possess strong adsorption ability for phenol with interaction of O-H … O = C hydrogen bond. The adsorption data are fitted to Langmuir Isotherms and a maximum adsorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir equation can reach 0.87 mmol of phenol/g. The effect of the pH on phenol adsorption has been studied.