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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Imine Metathesis by Silica-Supported Catalysts Using the Methodology of Surface Organometallic Chemistry
Published on: October 18, 2019
High-efficiency and targeted Hg(II) adsorption on sulfur-functionalized mesoporous silica via thiol-ene click
Kaiyue Wang1, Ming Zhu1, Meng Cun1
1College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
Abstract:
Mercury (Hg) contamination in industrial wastewater poses a significant environmental and health threat. Efficient and targeted removal of Hg(II) is essential to prevent its release into aquatic environments. In this study, sulfur-functionalized mesoporous silica (SFMS) was synthesized via a thiol-ene click chemistry strategy to introduce thiol and thioether groups onto a mesoporous silica framework for Hg(II) capture. SFMS exhibited a strong affinity for Hg(Ⅱ), attributed to dual sulfur coordination sites, enabling efficient removal even under competitive ion conditions. The distribution coefficient (KD = 9.72 × 106 mL/g) confirmed its high selectivity in multi-ionic systems. Rapid adsorption kinetics were observed, with over 99% Hg(II) removal at initial concentrations of 2.50 and 5.00 mg/L. SFMS also maintained stable performance across a wide pH range (3-10). Furthermore, SFMS demonstrated consistently high Hg(II) removal efficiencies (>95%) across various water matrices. Compared with commercial activated carbon, SFMS maintained removal efficiencies above 95% over a wide concentration range (1-20 mg/L). These results highlight the potential of thiol-ene click chemistry as a simple and mild strategy for constructing dual-site sulfur-functionalized adsorbents for efficient Hg(II) removal.
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