Synthesis and adsorption behavior study of magnetic fibrous mesoporous silica

In this study, phenylboronic acid-modified magnetic fibrous mesoporous silica (MFMS-P) was successfully synthesized by an improved one-step oil-water biphase stratification coating strategy using a precise velocity control device. The transmission electron microscopy images showed particles composed of a Fe3O4 core (150-200 nm), nonporous silica interlayer (50 nm), and a fibrous shell (110 nm), exhibiting radial-like direct channels and ideal pore size (12.72-13.58 nm). The adsorption behavior, including the adsorption model, adsorption kinetics data and thermodynamic parameters, was systematically investigated. The kinetic study indicated that MFMS-P exhibits high adsorption capacity (293.03 mu mol g(-1)) and rapid adsorption equilibrium for catechol (reached within 10 min). The adsorption rate (k = 0.0613 g (mg min)(-1)) for catechol is much higher owing to the suitable pore structure of the present material, which greatly facilitates the target molecules reaching the active sites in a more efficient manner. All the results demonstrate that this magnetic fibrous structured mesoporous silica is an excellent separation material for rapid separation applications.