In situ synthesis of phosphate binding mesocellular siliceous foams impregnated with iron oxide nanoparticles

Mesocellular siliceous foams (MCFs) loaded with preformed magnetite nanoparticles ca. 8 nm in diameter are readily prepared in water under neutral conditions. The calcined composite nanomaterial with 0.72% weight of iron is effective for the adsorption of phosphate ions from liquid effluents, with the overall adsorption capacity maintained on cycling five times, up to 79.2 mg PO43− per gram Fe.