Macroporous silica for concentration of nitroenergetic targets

Hierarchical organosilicate sorbents were synthesized which possess structure on two length scales macropores of approximately 1 mu m lined by mesopores (35-45 angstrom) The incorporation of macropores provides enhanced flow-through characteristics over purely mesoporous materials, thereby reducing back pressure when used in column formats Materials of this type with varied sur face groups were applied to the adsorption of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX) in both batch and column formats The results presented here demonstrate the potential of these materials for application as solid phase extraction materials for the pre-concentration of nitroenergetic targets from aqueous solutions. The structural and binding characteristics of the materials have been evaluated and preliminary data on the impact of complex matrices is provided. Published by Elsevier B V