Adsorption of metal ions from aqueous and ethanol solutions by silica gel functionalized with pyridinium ions

Abstract

Silica gel functionalized with pyridinium ions can be used to adsorb metal ions in the anionic complexed form, MCI n z- n ( M  Zn( II), Cd(II), and Hg(II)), from aqueous and ethanol solutions. The affinity of the functionalized silica,  Si( CH 2) 3 N + C 5 H 5 Cl − , for the metal ions increases in the order Zn(II) < Cd(II) < Hg(II) in both solvents. Addition of LiCl as the electrolyte decreased the distribution coefficients due to the formation of ion pairs, Li m MCl n z−n+m , in solution.