Solvothermal synthesis of mesoporous aluminophosphate for polluted water remediation

Tiny nanoparticles of mesoporous aluminophosphate have been synthesized through solvothermal method in presence of a long chain fatty acid as template. The mesophase of the material was investigated by using small-angle powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image analysis. N-2 adsorption-desorption studies show high surface area (235 m(2) g(-1)) and broad pore size distribution (similar to 6.0 nm). FE SEM results suggest the material is composed of very tiny nanoparticles and pores are generated due to the inter particles voids of dimension similar to 6.0 nm. EDS surface chemical analysis was utilized for the detection of the distribution of Al and Pin the matrix. FT IR spectral study suggests almost complete removal of the surfactants from the calcined material. This mesoporous material showed excellent adsorption capacity for the pollutant heavy metal cations and can be utilized as a potential candidate for the remediation of contaminated ground water. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.