Precisely Engineered Multi-Shelled Hollow Mesoporous Organosilica with Efficient Removal for Pb(Ii) and Cr(Vi)

Abstract

Adsorbents with fast kinetics and high capacity have always been attractive for wastewater treatment. Herein, multi-shelled hollow mesoporous organosilica functionalized by hydroxyphosphatoethyl groups on dual-pore surfaces (P-HMO) is prepared by general one-pot co-condensation. The resulting P-HMO exhibits high hydrophilicity, large surface area and well-developed pore structure, providing P-HMO fast adsorption kinetics (C0=320 mg·L-1, equilibrium within 5 min) and ultrahigh adsorption efficiency for Pb(II) and Cr(VI), the adsorption capacity reaches 1056.53 and 869.56 mg·g-1, respectively. Furthermore, P-HMO displays outstanding reusability over 10 adsorption-desorption cycles thanks to the stable framework structure that can resist wear and tear during water treatment. The advantages of long service life, high efficiency and broad pH range make P-HMO promising in industrial water purification.

Keywords: Multi-shelled mesoporous organosilica, one-pot method, high efficiency, simultaneous effect, heavy metals removal