Synthesis and characterization of nanoporous silica SBA-15 diaminocyclohexane and its application in removal of Cu(II) and Ni(II) from aqueous solution

A new nanoporous 1,2-diaminocyclohexane-functionalized SBA-15 (Dach@SBA-15) silica sorbent was prepared. The structure and physicochemical properties of the material were characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and thermogravimetric analysis. TEM image clearly showed the sheet-like structure of Dach@SBA-15. The organic functional groups were successfully grafted onto the SBA-15 surface and the ordering of the support was not affected by the chemical modification. The Dach@SBA-15was used as a sorbent for removal of Cu(II) and Ni(II) from aqueous solution. Experimental parameters like effect of pH, contact time and metal ion concentration were studied and optimized. The adsorption isotherm data fitted well to Langmuir isotherm model and the monolayer adsorption capacity values for Cu(II) was 90.09 and for Ni (II) was 84.03 mg/g at 303 K. The experimental kinetic data fitted very well to the pseudosecond- order model. The Dach@SBA-15 could be used as a sorbent for removal of Cu(II) and Ni(II) from aqueous medium.