Yolk-shell structured magnetic mesoporous silica: a novel and highly efficient adsorbent for removal of methylene blue

In this study, a novel magnetic mesoporous silica with yolk-shell structure (Fe3O4@Void@m.SiO2) was successfully synthesized via a polymer-template assisted method. The Fe3O4@Void@m.SiO2 was characterized by using FT-IR, EDS, SEM, TEM, VSM, PXRD and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analyses. The Fe3O4@Void@m.SiO2 nanocomposite showed high efficiency in adsorption of an organic dye and water pollutant called methylene blue (MB) with 98.2% removal capability. Furthermore, the effect of different parameters in the adsorption of MB was investigated. Different models of kinetic were examined and compared with each other. The recoverability and reusability of designed Fe3O4@Void@m.SiO2 material were also studied under applied conditions.

Automated summary

A novel magnetic mesoporous silica material Fe3O4@Void@m.SiO2 was successfully synthesized and showed high efficiency in adsorption of organic dye and water pollutant. The study investigated the impact of different parameters during adsorption process and examined the recoverability and reusability of the material under applied conditions.