Cu(II) Removal from Aqueous Samples Using In Situ Functionalized Silica with Novel Synthesized Formazan: Synthesis,...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Copper (Cu-(II)) is a toxic heavy metal pollutant.
• Effective removal of Cu-(II) from aqueous solutions is crucial for environmental protection.
• Development of efficient and reusable sorbent materials is needed for water remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel silica-based sorbent, silica-carbazole-formazan (Si-Carb-Formazan).
• To evaluate the efficiency of Si-Carb-Formazan for the removal of Cu-(II) ions from aqueous solutions.
• To investigate the adsorption mechanism, kinetics, thermodynamics, and reusability of the developed sorbent.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Si-Carb-Formazan via in situ functionalization.
• Characterization using FTIR, SEM, TGA, and XPS.
• Batch adsorption experiments to study adsorption parameters and kinetics.
• Isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic modeling.
• Selectivity and regeneration tests.

Main Results:

• Si-Carb-Formazan exhibits a porous structure, high surface area, and excellent thermal stability.
• Optimal Cu-(II) adsorption achieved at pH 6.0 with a capacity of 34 mg/g in 15 min.
• Adsorption follows Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating an exothermic process.
• High selectivity for Cu-(II) over other metal ions and over 90% capacity retention after five regeneration cycles.

Conclusions:

• Si-Carb-Formazan is a highly efficient, selective, and reusable sorbent for rapid Cu-(II) removal.
• The material presents a cost-effective solution for treating copper-contaminated water.
• This novel sorbent demonstrates significant potential for environmental remediation applications.