Sorption and preconcentration of metal ions in ethanol solution with a silica gel surface chemically modified with benzimidazole

Abstract

The adsorption isotherms of MCl(2) (M = Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd) and FeCl3 by silica gel chemically modified with benzimidazole molecules (= SI(CH2)(3)-NC7H5N) were studied in ethanol solution at 298 K. A column made of modified silica was used to adsorb and preconcentrate the above metal ions from ethanol solution. Elution was done with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid in an ethanol/water mixture having a mole fraction of water of 0.8. The material was applied in the preconcentration of metal ions from commercial ethanol normally used as engine fuel.