A novel magnetic mesoporous resorcinol–melamine–formaldehyde resin for removal of phenols from aqueous solution

Here, a novel resorcinol–melamine–formaldehyde based mesoporous magnetic resin (m-RMF) was prepared via simple steps. The m-RMF resin was characterized by Fourier Transfer Infrared, scanning electronic microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. The m-RMF possesses a specific surface area of 520 m²/g, a pore volume of 0.45 cm³/g and an average pore diameter of 8.6 nm. The adsorptive performance of the m-RMF was investigated for phenol and 4-chlorophenol removal from simulated aqueous solutions under varying conditions. The results showed that m-RMF exhibited better adsorption performance for the removal of phenol (2.49 mmol/g) than 4-chlorophenol (1.5 mmol/g). The adsorption data were represented by pseudo-second order and Langmuir isotherm equations. The removal mechanism was realized by synergistic proton donor–acceptor complex, π–π interactions and hydrophobic effects.