How Functional Group Chemistry Governs Cr(VI) Adsorption on MCM-41: Experimental and Molecular-Level Insights

In this report, functionalized MCM-41 adsorbents (MCM-41/IL and MCM-41/NH2) were synthesized, and their performances were systematically compared in Cr(VI) removal. The adsorption capacities reached 110.2 mg/g for MCM-41/IL and 153.3 mg/g for MCM-41/NH2 at pH 5.6 with an adsorbent dosage of 1 g/L. Notably, functionalization led to a reduction in the surface area and pore volume, which significantly influenced their adsorption performance. The bulky ionic liquid (IL) molecules hindered the diffus