Evaluation of mesoporous silica and Nb-doped titanate as molecule carriers through adsorption/desorption study

Abstract

Silica and Nb-doped titanate were evaluated as carriers of molecules with different characteristics on the basis of adsorption/desorption. Ovalbumin, gentamicin, and methyl blue were used as model molecules to study the adsorption onto these mesoporous materials as well as the possibility of desorption. Experiments were set to evaluate the kinetics of molecules’ adsorption and release as well as adsorption isotherms. Results show that Nb-doped titanate appeared to be a more suitable carrier than silica for all three molecules. Ovalbumin was adsorbed onto both evaluated materials in the highest amount. Additionally, linearized Langmuir isotherm model showed a good fit in describing the adsorption of different molecules onto silica and Nb-doped titanate.

Keywords:

• Silica
• Nb-doped titanate
• molecule carrier
• adsorption
• desorption

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of the COST Action MP 1301.

Additional information

Funding

Financial support from Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Republic of Serbia (Ministarstvo Prosvete, Nauke i Tehnološkog Razvoja) [Grant No. III 45021] is gratefully acknowledged.