Synthesis of functionalized mesoporous Ni-SBA-16 decorated with MgO nanoparticles for Cr (VI) adsorption and an effective catalyst for hydrodechlorination of chlorobenzene

Abstract In this research work the impact of MgO promoter tested on Ni-SBA-16 efficiency in aqueous media as an adsorbent for Cr(VI) and an effective catalyst for hydrodechlorination of chlorobenzene. New hydrothermal procedures were applied for the synthesis of Ni-SBA-16 and MgO/Ni-SBA-16 respectively. Results revealed that nanocomposites containing Ni nanocrystals of an average size distributed homogeneously within the pores of the amorphous silica matrix and also MgO was effectively coated on Ni-SBA-16 mesoporous silica walls, and that the mesoporous Ni-SBA-16 structure has been well preserved upon modification of MgO. The catalyst analysis results showed high interaction of unpromoted and MgO promoted catalyst Ni-SBA-16 as hydrodechlorination of chlorobanzene (≈ 96%) remained stable for 6 hours. The synthesized nanostructures were tested against Cr(VI) removal. 100% Cr(VI) adsorption was noted using 4 g/L and 200 mg/L of nanostructure and Cr(VI) respectively at temperature 75 °C, contact time 100 min and pH 3.