Synthesize of dendritic fibrous nano-silica functionalized by cysteine and its application as advanced adsorbent

Abstract l-Cysteine-modified dendritic fibrous nanosilica grafted by amine groups (Cys-DFNS-NH2) have been synthesized by a novel hydrothermal method. The N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms analysis on the Cys-DFNS-NH2 show that the average pore volume and surface area of the prepared fibrous Cys-DFNS-NH2 were 2.2 cm3/g and 205 m2/g, respectively, while the average pore size is 6.06 nm. Adsorption behavior of the Cys-DFNS-NH2 for Cd2+, Cu2+, Ag+, and Pb2+ was investigated by electrochemical methods. The results show that Cys-DFNS-NH2 can selectively adsorb Cd2+, Ag+, and Pb2+ in different potentials. Finally, the application of the engineered adsorbent for the removal of Cd2+, Ag+, and Pb2+ from contaminated water samples was examined. This work provides a new platform to the synthesis of Cys-DFNS-NH2 with high specific surface area for efficient adsorbent of specific metal ions. Graphical Abstract