Aminopropyl-containing ionic liquid based organosilica as a novel and efficient adsorbent for removal of crystal violet from wastewaters

Herein a novel aminopropyl-containing ionic liquid based organosilica(ILOS-NH_2) is prepared, characterized and applied as effective adsorbent for removal of crystal violet(CV) dye from wastewater. The ILOS-NH2 material was synthesized by hydrolysis and co-condensation of 1,3-bis-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-imidazolium chloride(BTMSPIC) under acidic conditions followed by treatment with 3-aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane in toluene under reflux conditions. This material was characterized using scanning electron microscopy(SEM), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy(DRIFTS), thermal gravimetric analysis(TGA) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis(EDAX). The material was effectively used in the removal of crystal violet at ambient temperature and showed high capacity and stability under applied conditions. The efficacy of p H, contact time, adsorbent dose, initial dye concentration, temperature, and isotherm studies and the applicability of pseudo-first, second order and Elovich kinetic models have also been investigated.