Silver Nanoparticles Synthesised within the Silica Matrix in Hyperstoichiometrical of Mercury from Aqueous Solutions

Mercury adsorption of silver containing silica-based nanocomposites was evaluated. Maximum adsorption capacity of 0.4 mmol g⁻¹ was achieved at silver loading of 0.5 mmol g⁻¹. Nevertheless, if to calculate in respect to silver content the mercury adsorption capacity was generally elevated along with decreasing silver nanoparticle diameter. It has been demonstrated that silver particle diameters and loading should collectively be taken into consideration in designing the optimal mercury removal process. Further recommendations have been proposed with the aim of increasing the mercury removal efficiency using silver nanoparticles deposited on the surface of silica with lover silver loading, while achieving similar or even higher efficiencies due to observed hyperstoichiometry effect. (paper)