Silica-based mesoporous materials; emerging designer adsorbents for aqueous pollutants removal and water treatment

This is a review of recent literature on pristine and specifically functionalized mesoporous silica-based materials or 'designer silicates' used as adsorbents for aqueous pollutants removal and water treatment. Ordered meso-porous silicates, their synthesis, surfactants removal, and preparation of the designer silicates were briefly introduced before discussing their applications in the removal of inorganic and organic pollutants. Designer silicates, such as the nitrogen/thiol-containing, the magnetics, and the composites, are highlighted with their various applications for the removal of toxic metal cations, anionic species, dyes, pesticides, industrial organics, pharmaceuticals and other emerging pollutants. These applications were briefly discussed indicating salient features and using illustrating figures where possible.