A Recyclable Thiol-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica for Detection and Removal of Cu(II) Ions

Thiol-functionalized meso-structured silicas have been prepared by the co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane in the presence of an amphiphilic block copolymer (EO)(45)-b-(MA)(53). Partial S-alkylation of mercapto groups with 9-(chloromethyl)anthracene resulted in the formation of a hybrid material for the detection and removal of copper ions from water. This hybrid material can be recycled and reused for metal ion adsorption. Under neutral conditions, the binding copper(II) ions can be removed by the addition of an aqueous solution of ethylenediamine. The adsorption capacity of the recycled silicas remains the same as the freshly prepared, which makes them promising adsorbents for wastewater cleanup.