Nanostructured polymers with high surface area using inorganic templates for the efficient extraction of anionic dyes from solutions.

A protonated polyaniline-functionalized SBA-15 mesoporous silica nanomaterial (H(+)-PANI/SBA-15) with high surface area and ideal surface properties for the adsorption of anionic dyes is synthesized. Compared with the conventional emeraldine salt of polyaniline (H(+)-PANI), H(+)-PANI/SBA-15 has a significantly higher adsorption capacity for the anionic dye Orange G and is a more effective sorbent for the removal of anionic pollutants from wastewater.