Removal of Toxic Cd2+ from Aqueous Solutions by Amine-Functionalized Core-Shell Magnetic Mesoporous Silica

In this experimental research, amine functionalized core-shell magnetic mesoporous silica has been successfully synthesized via a two-step coating process of silica on the magnetic core. The properties of the as-synthesized adsorbent, i.e. Fe3O4/SiO2/meso-SiO2–NH2, is determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy. The prepared adsorbent has been used to remove Cd2+ from the water. The results show that this adsorbent is highly efficient for the removal of this heavy metal ion from aqueous solution since its adsorption capacity was reported to be 535.724 mg/g. The most important parameters such as pH, an initial concentration of Cd2+, and contact time, have been optimized, too. This adsorbent can be removed from solution by an external magnetic and recycled by acid treatment.