Surface Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Enhanced Removal of Heavy Metals: A Review

Human health and environmental sustainability are strongly influenced by the contamination of water resources with hazardous heavy metal ions due to the accumulation in human body via food chains. Thereby, researchers’ attention has been paid on effective methods for heavy metal ion scavenging to prevent them releasing to environment. Notably, Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSNPs) with high surface area, massive surface area to volume ratio, large pore volume and uniform pore distribution play a crucial role in addressing this challenge. Additionally, researchers focus on novel surface functionalization methods of MSNPs with suitable organic and inorganic moieties to amplify the adsorption efficiency of heavy metals. MSNPs possess easily functionalizable surface which facilitates the modifications and enhanced removal of heavy metals. The review article summarizes the different moieties used for functionalization of MSNPs such as amino, thio, carboxyl, phenyl, cyano groups, different types of polymers, inorganic functional groups. Further, a comparison has been made between functional and unmodified MSNPs to elaborate how these modifications have enhanced the removal performance of heavy metals in water. Further, this review provides an overview on different synthesis routes and structure directing agent used in synthesis of MSNPs. Moreover, pH effect on adsorption andreusability of modified NPs, while illustrating the mechanism of adsorption on to modified MSNPs surface has also been elaborated. Maximum adsorption capacity of each functional moiety has been taken into consideration with the aim of supporting future advancements. Keywords: Adsorption, Mesoporous silica nanoparticles, Heavy metals, Functionalization, Maximum adsorption capacity