In situ synthesis of nanocomposite materials based on modified-mesoporous silica MCM-41 and methyl methacrylate for copper (II) adsorption from aqueous solution

In this study, amine-modified MCM-41/poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites (m-MCM-41/PMMA NCs) were fabricated through in situ polymerization method and ultrasonic irradiation technique. The as-prepared nanocomposites were utilized for adsorption of Cu2+ ions from aqueous media. Physico-chemical properties of m-MCM-41/PMMA NCs were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission and scanning electron microscopes (TEM and SEM), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR)spectroscopy. Based on analysis data, 2wt% NC was selected for adsorption studies and the pH effect, contact time, and initial concentration of metal ions was investigated. The adsorption mechanism and kinetics were evaluated using three kinetic models namely pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion. In addition, the adsorptive performance of the selected NC was investigated by two common isotherm models namely Langmuir and Freundlich. Kinetics and isotherm equilibrium data showed acceptable fitting with the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir model, respectively. The maximum value of adsorption capacity toward copper(II) ions was found to be 41.5mgg(-1) (pH=4, adsorbent dose10mg, temperature25 degrees C, stirring speed180rpm, and time140min).