Adsorption of Cd(II) by Sol-Gel Silica Doped with N-(dipropylcarbamothioyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide

Abstract

Sol-gel silica was doped with N,N-(dipropylcarbamothioyl) thiophene-2-carboxamide to investigate the sorption of cadmium (Cd) ions from aqueous media. In doped sol-gel silica, the large reagent molecules entrap into pores, whereas, small metal ions diffuse into pores where they make complex with doped reagent. This complexation can be accomplished by either ion exchange or chelation. Doped sol-gel sorbent was applied for removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution in our study. Adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm, equilibration time, effect of initial concentration of adsorbate, and pH effect on the metal removal were studied to optimize the conditions. The prepared adsorbent shows rapid equilibrium and high stability toward high temperature and applied medium. In addition, desorption of metal ions was carried out by 1 M HCl and, thereafter, sol-gel silica adsorbent was regenerated and reused periodically.

Keywords:

• Doped sol-gel silica sorption Cd(II) equilibration time adsorption kinetics

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Acknowledgements

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, UK, are duly acknowledged for funding and lab facilities.

Notes

Current affiliation for M.A. Khosa: Department of Agricultural Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada