In this study, a novel adsorbent with magnetic Fe3O4 spherical
core and thiol functionalized mesoporous silica shell was
developed and used for heavy metal ions removal. This material
is different from the ordered mesoporous material, showing
a worm-hole like pore structure with large surface area and pore
distribution, which avails to avoid the unfavorable entropy effect
existing in the ordered mesoporous adsorbent leading to lose
its spontaneity adsorption except for certain heavy metal ion. A
core–shell structure, with magnetic Fe3O4 spheres as the core, and
mesoporous silica as the shell, would not destroy the pore structure,
and could supply a convenient way for separation of the
adsorbent from water as well as the excellent resistibility to harsh
environment. The physical and chemical properties of the synthesized
material were studied, and the performance in heavy metal
removal from natural water matrices was satisfying.