Adsorption of Hg(II) Ions by 3-Mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane Modified Mesoporous Silica Based on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies

In this study, 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (MPTS) modified mesoporous silica based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs@mSiO2-MPTS) was successfully prepared. The adsorption material was characterized and used for adsorbing Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution. The equilibrium data conformed better to the Langmuir isotherm with maximum adsorption capacity calculated 349.65 mg/g at 40ºC. The kinetics analysis revealed the adsorption process fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic parameters indicated the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. All results obtained suggested that MWCNTs@mSiO2-MPTS may be employed as an efficient material for the adsorption or preconcentration of Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution.