Development of functionalized mesoporous meshes DMS-1 applicable for the adsorption and removal of mercury in water

The efficiency of a functionalized Disordered Mesoporous Silica-1 (DMS-1) to remove mercury ions disperse in water was evaluated. This material was functionalized using 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxisilan as the source of thiol groups using the post-synthesis method. The aforementioned sorbent system was characterized using N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Small Angle X-Ray Diffraction (SAXD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). These characterizations showed that the functionalized meshes possess the suitable microstructure and textural properties to be use as an adsorbent to remove mercury ions from water. Adsorption experiments showed a significant reduction of mercury ions of up to 99% of the total concentration contained in a synthetic solution (132 mg/l).