Recent advancements in silica nanoparticles based technologies for removal of dyes from water

Silica and silica based hybrid nanoparticles are investigated with great interest for the removal of dyes from water. The presence of surface silanols which can complex the dyes, ease of grafting of additional functionalities to improve the complexation, the possibility of photocatalyst grafting for dye degradation and good chemical stability are the reasons for the excellent efficiency of silica nanoparticles to remove dyes from water. In this overview the main strategies used for the removal of dyes from water by using silica nanoparticles are discussed. The use of bare, core-shell and polymer-grafted silica nanoparticles for removal of dyes is explained with examples. Additionally, very latest reports about the synthesis and use of silica and hybrid silica nanoparticles for removal of dyes from water are discussed and critically analyzed. The future challenges in the development and use of silica nanoparticle based technologies for removal of dyes are pointed out with explanation.