High antimicrobial and Rhodamine B absorption properties of N-halamine modified mesoporous silica via a thiol-ene ‘click’ reaction

Abstract

Microorganism and organic dye pollutants are severe challenges to water purification. Here, N-halamines were introduced into mesoporous silica via thiol-ene click chemistry to simultaneously improve the surface area retention rate and water treatment properties. Methacrylamide (MAA), an N-halamine precursor, was attached onto mesoporous silica through polymerization. The morphology and microstructure of modified mesoporous silica were slightly affected by modification and polymerization. The typical mesoporous structure of modified samples was presented, and the surface area retention rate was increased up to 55%. After chlorination, the modified mesoporous silica could inactivate 100% of E. coli O157:H7 (7.11 log) and S. aureus (7.36 log) within 1 min. Both original and modified samples showed good absorption properties for Rhodamine B in aqueous solution. For the chlorinated sample, the Rhodamine B absorption properties in alkaline conditions were much higher than in neutral and acidic conditions. These attractive functions make this modified mesoporous silica a promising candidate in wastewater purification applications. • A novel mesoporous material-supported N-halamines (SBA-15-PMAA-Cl) was prepared through thiol-ene “click” reaction. • SBA-15-PMAA-Cl can be rendered effective antibacterial properties against S. aureus and E. coli O157:H7 within 1 min. • SBA-15-PMAA-Cl showed good absorptivity with Rhodamine B, particularly in alkaline conditions.