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 N2 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.