Nitrogen rich core–shell magnetic mesoporous silica as an effective adsorbent for removal of silver nanoparticles from water

Abstract

The production and increasing use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obviously results in their release into the environment, leading to a risk to the environment due to their toxic effects. Thus, the removal of AgNPs from water is highly needed. Here, we demonstrate that nitrogen rich (∼10% nitrogen content) core–shell magnetic mesoporous silica is a promising adsorbent for the removal of AgNPs. For this, the poly(ethylenimine) functionalized core–shell magnetic mesoporous silica composites (Fe3O4@SiO2-PEI) were prepared, and characterized by TEM, FT-IR, XRD, TG and N2 adsorption–desorption. The removal of AgNPs by Fe3O4@SiO2-PEI as a function of contact time, concentration of AgNPs, solution pH and ionic strength were studied. The adsorption kinetic data could be described by the pseudo-second-order rate model. Both Langmuir and Freundlich models fitted the adsorption data well. The adsorption capacity for AgNPs is 909.1mg/g, which is 5–181 times higher than that of the previously reported adsorbents for AgNPs. Interestingly, the silver adsorbed onto Fe3O4@SiO2-PEI exhibits highly catalytic activity for 4-nitropheol (4-NP) reduction with a rate constant of 0.072min−1, which is much higher than those by other AgNPs reported before. The silver-loaded Fe3O4@SiO2-PEI promises good recyclability for at least five cycles, showing great potential in practical applications.