A short review on recent progress in mesoporous silicas for the removal of metal ions from water

Abstract

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are used as nanoadsorbents for the removal of pollutants from water. MSNs have shown very high adsorption efficiencies for various toxic metal ions from water. Recently, significant new advancements are noticed in this field of research with a potential to develop a water purification technology based on MSNs. In this overview, latest reports about the use of porous silica particles for the removal of metal ions from water are listed and critically analyzed. The maximum adsorption efficiencies of the newly developed porous silica-based materials for different metal ions are studied and comparatively analyzed. Recent trends show that, the majority of works are focused on development of hybrid and functional porous silica nanoparticles for the removal of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Cr metal ions from water. The collective information presented here will help to design future research strategies for the development and use of MSNs for removal of various pollutants from water.