Dual template using P123-gelatin for synthesized large mesoporous silica for enhanced adsorption of dyes

Mesoporous Silica with a large mesopore channel was synthesized using the sol-gel method for dye adsorption. A dual template consisting of P123 and gelatin at different ratios was employed in the sol-gel synthesis to enhance surface area and mesopore diameter. Gelatin is a green pore directing agent that strengthens P123 thermal stability during the calcination of silicate gel. Optimization of P123:gelatin ratio to 1:0.02 increased the surface area of mesoporous silica to 561.9 m2/g and expanded the pore diameter to 10 nm. The large pore diameter and surface area enhanced methylene blue adsorption capacity to 363.63 mg/g. The adsorption of methylene blue on mesoporous silica follows the pseudo second-order kinetic and the Langmuir model. Regeneration studies using thermal and chemical treatments exhibited the potential of mesoporous silica as an adsorbent for multiple adsorption-desorption of dyes.