Functionalized Mesoporous MCM-41 for the Adsorption of Various Pharmaceutical Compounds

This study aims to evaluate the adsorption performance of an amine-functionalized MCM–41 mesoporous silica nanoparticles system (MCM–41–NH2) as an adsorbent for the removal of different pharmaceutical pollutants from aqueous solutions. The modification of MCM-41 was achieved through post-synthesis treatment in the presence du 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). Surface and structural characteristics of MCM-41 and MCM–41–NH2 were examined using N2 adsorption–desorption analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and point of zero charge analysis. In addition, thermal stability was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The kinetics study shows that adsorption on MCM–41–NH2 follows pseudo-second-order rate expression. Isotherm study showed that the experimental data fitted well with the Langmuir equation. Moreover, the maximum adsorption capacities of MCM–41–NH2 were: (129.8, 272.0, 233.2 and 318.6) mg/g for Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Oxacillin and Trihydrated Amoxicillin respectively). The adsorption is controlled by the surface charges of the adsorbent and the adsorbate. Compared with other adsorbents, MCM–41–NH2 was more effective for the different pharmaceutical removal.