Removal of toxic trace elements from aqueous solutions using a SiO₂-sol-gel/2,2′-(imidazolidine-1,3-diylbis(methylene))bis(3,5-di-tert-butylphenol) matrix

The sol-gel technique has been utilized for the preparation of sorbent glass material incorporated with the ligand 2,2'-(imidazolidine-1,3-diylbis (methylene))bis(3,5-di-tert-butylphenol). Two procedures were used for the synthesis of the silica based material: (i) one step process under acidic conditions, (ii). A two steps procedure, using an acidic catalyst for the hydrolysis stage, and condensation of the silanol groups under basic conditions. The preparation conditions affect the morphological properties of the matrices and thus their sorption properties. The efficiency of Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Cd²⁺ removal from aqueous solutions have been studied using batch experiments.