Abstract
In this study, a polymer brush derived from poly(2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (PTBAEMA-SO3H@MSNPs) was successfully fabricated. The structure and morphology of PTBAEMA-SO3H@ MSNPs were studied using transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and elemental analysis techniques. The optimal conditions for the removal of rhodamine B (Rh B) and crystal violet (CV) by PTBAEMA-SO3H@MSNPs were determined. The best adsorption efficiency was found at an Rh B concentration of 150 ppm, adsorbent amount of 10 mg, contact time of 40 min, and pH 5 and at a CV concentration of 350 ppm, contact time of 40 min, and pH 9. The adsorption equilibrium was fitted with the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Redlich-Peterson isotherm models in both linear and nonlinear forms. Equilibrium data were best fitted with the Langmuir model, with maximum adsorption capacities of 147.78 and 343.57 mg g-1 for Rh B and CV, respectively. The adsorption of both dyes onto the PTBAEMA-SO3H@MSNP adsorbent occurred spontaneously in an exothermic manner and with increased randomness. The adsorption of Rh B and CV onto the PTBAEMA-SO3H@MSNP adsorbent followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The findings of this study indicate that PTBAEMA-SO3H@MSNPs are highly effective in removing Rh B and CV from water samples.