Dual template using P123-gelatin for synthesized large mesoporous silica for enhanced adsorption of dyes
Widiya Nur Safitri, Habiddin Habiddin, Maria Ulfa, Wega Trisunaryanti, Hasliza Bahruji, Holilah Holilah, Alya Awinatul Rohmah, Novia Amalia Sholeha, Aishah Abdul Jalil, Eko Budi Santoso, Didik Prasetyoko
Abstract
Mesoporous Silica with a large mesopore channel was synthesized using the sol-gel method for dye adsorption. A dual template consisting of P123 and gelatin at different ratios was employed in the sol-gel synthesis to enhance surface area and mesopore diameter. Gelatin is a green pore directing agent that strengthens P123 thermal stability during the calcination of silicate gel. Optimization of P123:gelatin ratio to 1:0.02 increased the surface area of mesoporous silica to 561.9 m2/g and expanded the pore diameter to 10 nm. The large pore diameter and surface area enhanced methylene blue adsorption capacity to 363.63 mg/g. The adsorption of methylene blue on mesoporous silica follows the pseudo second-order kinetic and the Langmuir model. Regeneration studies using thermal and chemical treatments exhibited the potential of mesoporous silica as an adsorbent for multiple adsorption-desorption of dyes.