Schiff bases have been successfully doped with sol- gel silica by our group. There are only few previous reports on doping of Schiff bases with sol- gel silica. This study pertains to novel synthesis of 4-(2-(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino) ethyl) benzenesulfonamide (a Schiff base) doped in xerogel silica, its characterization by FTIR, thermogravimetry, scanning electron micrography and porosimetry studies besides its application in adsorption of chromium (III) and lead (II) ions from aqueous media. The large Schiff base molecules are entrapped by the pores of xerogel. Likewise, metal ions in aqueous solution make complex with Schiff base by either ion exchange or chelation through the pores. Doping of Schiff base in xerogel gives a porous and stable surface working at high temperature. Doping of Schiff base provides a convenient approach of tailoring the surface properties of mesoporous silica by organic functionalization. Both blank and Schiff based xerogels exhibit ordered mesoporous structures and hydrophilic properties responsible for ion exchange or chelation mechanism. Adsorption phenomenon was studied by noting solution pH, contact time and concentration of adsorbate. The equilibration time was as swift as it completed within ten min. Finally, 0.1 N HNO3 was employed for desorption of metal ions followed by regeneration and periodic recycling of synthesized xerogels in this study.
Shazia Naheed and Farzana Mehmood
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