Ferulic acid functionalized mesoporous silica polymer nanocomposites (SBA/FA) for the adsorption of Cr(VI)

Ferulic acid (FA) functionalized ordered mesoporous silica (SBA/FA) nanocomposites were synthesized via in situ radical polymerization of vinyl monomers for the adsorption of Cr(VI) toxic ions. Powder X-ray diffraction and N-2 adsorption isotherms showed the presence of mesoporous nature of the nanocomposites after functionalization with FA. Different adsorption parameters such as adsorption weight, adsorption time, pH etc. were optimized for adsorption of Cr(VI) ions under environmental friendly conditions. The adsorption studies results showed high adsorption of functionalized nanocomposites (100-172 mg/g) compared to SBA-15 (60 mg/g) materials.