Synthesis and adsorption behavior study of magnetic fibrous mesoporous silica

In this study, phenylboronic acid-modified magnetic fibrous mesoporous silica (MFMS-P) was successfully synthesized by an improved one-step oil–water biphase stratification coating strategy using a precise velocity control device. The transmission electron microscopy images showed particles composed of a Fe3O4 core (150–200 nm), nonporous silica interlayer (50 nm), and a fibrous shell (110 nm), exhibiting radial-like direct channels and ideal pore size (12.72–13.58 nm). The adsorption behavior, including the adsorption model, adsorption kinetics data and thermodynamic parameters, was systematically investigated. The kinetic study indicated that MFMS-P exhibits high adsorption capacity (293.03 μmol g−1) and rapid adsorption equilibrium for catechol (reached within 10 min). The adsorption rate (k = 0.0613 g (mg min) −1) for catechol is much higher owing to the suitable pore structure of the present material, which greatly facilitates the target molecules reaching the active sites in a more efficient manner. All the results demonstrate that this magnetic fibrous-structured mesoporous silica is an excellent separation material for rapid separation applications.