Modified Mesoporous Silicate MCM-41 for Zinc Ion Adsorption: Synthesis, Characterization and Its Adsorption Behavior

Modified MCM‐41 has been prepared by bi‐functionalization of thiol and amino functional groups onto mesoporous silicate MCM‐41. Elemental analysis (EA), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and FTIR techniques were used to quantify the attachment of the thiol and amino functional groups to the mesoporous silicate pore wall. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and nitrogen adsorption techniques were used to establish the pore diameter, packing of the pores and specific surface area of the modified mesoporous silicate MCM‐41. Adsorption behavior for 18 metal ions on this sorbent has been studied and discussed. This sorbent has high affinity for zinc ions against amino‐ or thiol‐functionalized MCM‐41 sorbents.