Abstract
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles-gold nanoparticles (MSNPs/AuNPs) nanocomposite was prepared using mono-dispersed mesoporous silica as a template for gold nanoparticles without any functional group on the silica surface. The growth of gold layer over the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) was demonstrated via scanning electron microscopies (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV) adsorption spectrum. The presence of gold on the mesoporous nanoparticles gave an absorption band at 520 nm, also X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated the crystal structure of gold NPs which has a cubic shape. Raman spectra proofed the high ability of MSNPs/AuNPs nanocomposite for removing methacrifos from water which was also confirmed by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at room temperature where the removal rate exceeded 98 %. MSNPs/AuNPs nanocomposite has high capacity as an adsorbent which could be considered as a new eco-friendly strategy for pesticide removal and appears to be the new promising material in water treatment application.