Functionalized Hollow Mesoporous Silica Sphere with Magnesium Bromide for Ammonia Absorption Enhancement

Ammonia is hazardous pollutant that trace amount of this chemical can be toxic to human respiratory system. Traditional method by using porous material like active carbon or alumina is less efficient in ammonia adsorption. Although magnesium bromide (MgBr₂) can absorb ammonia to form chemical complex, the poverty of pores make it less likely to achieve its theoretical capacity. In order to overcome shortcomings of traditional materials, we impregnate magnesium bromide into hollow mesooporous silica sphere (HMSS). The HMSS is synthesized via template method with polystyrene nanoparticle (PSP) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as structural precursors. HMSS of diameter 200nm and 400nm are synthesized respectively by controlling chain length of PSP during polymerization. Experimental results show that magnesium bromide impregnated on 200nm HMSS can achieve higher amount of ammonia capacity. It indicates a promising material for enhanced ammonia absorption.