Mesoporous hollow silica shells modified with functional diamine groups show high-performance absorption capacity and selective colorimetric response to copper ions in aqueous solutions
Diamine-functionalized HMSs gave clear colorimetric response to Cu2+ in low concentrations after color development using cupron solution. The functional material can be regenerated by treating with hydrochloric acid and maintains high efficiency upon repeated use for at least 10 times. The material has an absorption capacity of about 138.58 mg/g.