Synthesis , Characterization and removal of heavy metal ions from water bodies using novel hybrid materials based on silica

A new chelating material was synthesized by modifying the activated silica gel with 4-hydroxy benzyldehyde. The synthesized material was characterized by FTIR and BET surface area measurement techniques. The extraction of metal ions such as Fe +2 , Zn +2 , Mn +3 and Cr +3 by chelating materials was found to be higher than that of silica gel alone. The order of metal sorption was found to be Fe +2 >Zn +2 >Mn +3 >Cr +3 . Experimental evidences for existence of surface silanol and its chemical nature here explored the idea of silica surface modification. Adsorption of trace elements in separation and preconcentration from comples synthetic mixture as well as natural water is presented.