Synthesis and characterization of a new material based on porous silica—Chemically immobilized C,N-pyridylpyrazole for heavy metals adsorption

The immobilization of C,N-pyridylpyrazole on the surface of epoxy group containing silica gel phase for the formation of a newly synthesized material based on porous silica-bound C,N-pyridylpyrazole (SGPP) is described. The surface modification was characterized by 13C NMR of solid sample, elemental analysis and infrared spectra and was studied and evaluated by determination of the surface area using the BET equation, the adsorption and desorption capability using the isotherm of nitrogen and BJH pore sizes, respectively. The new material exhibits good thermal stability determined by thermogravimetry curves. The synthesized material was utilised in column and batch methods for separation and trace extraction of (Hg2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, K+, Na+ and Li+) and compared to results of classical liquid–liquid extraction with the unbound C,N-pyridylpyrazole compound. The grafting at the surface of silica does not affect complexing properties of the ligand and the material exhibits a high selectivity toward Hg(II).