The use of mesoporous silicas to absorb and separate metals and nanoparticles from aqueous or organic solutions

Final Report for the ERTDI-funded project: 2005-ET-MS-30-M3

Summary: STRIVE Report 33- Aoife Burke

The ability to remove metals from water can be greatly improved by technology developed at University College Cork (UCC) which uses a ‘smart’ material as a key part of the filtration system. This project explored the development of new nanostructured materials (silica) for effective treatment of various pollutants including metal ions and metal nanoparticles. Mesoporous materials are a relatively new material type that may have wide application as absorbents owing to their large surface areas, large pore volumes and large pore diameters. The ability to control the morphology and pore diameter of mesoporous silica opens up possibilities for commercial application as metal ion absorbents. Facile functionalisation of mesoporous silica spheres, with different chelating agents or ligands, allows specific metal ion pollutants to be targeted and removed from aqueous or organic systems.

Also available for download:

• Print-Quality Version (i.e. high resolution PDF) of  STRIVE Report 33
• Summary of Findings: The use of mesoporous silicas to absorb and separate metals and nanoparticles from aqueous or organic solutions

To order a copy of this report:

Please contact the EPA Publications Office: