Synthesis, characterization, and kinetic studies of multifunctionalized mesoporous silica for adsorption of zinc

The aim of this study is to evaluate the utilization of bifunctional mesoporous silica with a platinum and propylsulfonic acid group (Pt/SBA15-PrSO3H) as an adsorbent for the removal of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The SBA15-functionalized organosulfonic acid material was synthesized with a one-step cocondensation synthesis route. The second step was Pt loading during reduction and deposition into the aqueous suspension of the bifunctional mesoporous silica synthesized by an aqueous solution of formaldehyde as the reducing agent. The propylsulfonic acid and platinum functionalized mesoporous silica were characterized by BET, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction methods.