Adsorption Behavior of Cadmium(II) and Lead(II) on Mesoporous Silicate MCM‐41

This investigation examines metal ion adsorption on mesoporous silicate, MCM‐41, synthesized from sodium silicate solution and cethyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). MCM‐41 has potential as an adsorbent material, with a regular hexagonal pore structure, large specific surface area, and large pore volume. The MCM‐41 synthesized for this investigation is characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherms data. The adsorption behavior for cadmium(II) and lead(II) onto MCM‐41 was studied by contacting the mesoporous silicate with an aqueous solution of metal salts and acetylacetone. Both Cd2+ and Pb2+ were found to quantitatively adsorb onto MCM‐41. The results of this study suggest that MCM‐41 may have applications in the recovery of toxic metals from waste waters.