Sustainable composite sensor material for optical cadmium(II) monitoring and capturing from wastewater

In this study, an optical sensor material was fabricated for sustainable detection and adsorption of cadmium (Cd(II)) ion in aqueous solution with specific color formation. The sulphur containing organic functional ligand was grafted onto the mesoporous silica monolith via direct immobilization method through chemical and electrostatic interaction. The sensor material was exhibited an enhanced sensitivity and distinct color and spectral response to Cd(II) ion in aqueous solution. Larger immobilization capacity of organic ligand on the carrier silica to stronger accumulation for Cd(II), and smaller one made the optical sensor have a faster and more sensitive response to the Cd(II) ion at optimum condition. The influence of pH, limit of detection, ion selectivity and Cd(II) ion adsorption capacity and the effect…