CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

This article reviews the most important contributions on the use of organically modified orderedmesoporous silicas (OMS) for removal of inorganic pollutants from aqueous matrices. First, webriefly discuss the different preparation methods to synthesize this type of nanostructuredmesoporous hybrid materials, mentioning the main structural and chemical features than can beobtained. Emphasis is placed on the application of OMS as adsorbents for environmentalremediation purposes, although other fields where this type of nanostructured solid systems areused are also briefly mentioned. Finally, a depth discussion on the synthesis and application ofthe OMS called MCM-41, its modification with different organic groups, and its performance inthe removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions of varied chemical composition ispresented. The MCM-41 mesophase is taken as an example to discuss how the particle size andthe amount and distribution of organic groups anchored within the mesoporous network affect the performance of these kind of materials as adsorbents. Finally, some possible strategies that seek to improve the stability of the MCM-41 based sorbents for its use in a wide range ofoperational conditions are mentioned.