Background and purpose: 2, 4 dinitrophenol is the most important nitrophenol compound that is widely used in paints, adhesives, wood preservatives, solvents, pesticides, and explosive materials. Because of the high toxicity and non-biodegradability of 2, 4 DNP, must be prevented from entering the water body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of ordered mesoporous carbon CMK-3 in adsorption of 2, 4 dinitrophenol from aqueous solutions and the effect of various parameters on the performance of this process.

Materials and methods: In this experimental study, mesoporous carbon, CMK-3 was prepared using hexagonal SBA-15 mesoporous silica in a batch reactor. The synthesized materials were characterized by XRD, BET and TEM. After Synthesis of CMK-3, the effect of different parameters were investigated on adsorption process including pH (3-11), contact time (20 -180 min) initial concentration of 2, 4 dinitrophenol (10-500mg/L), and adsorbent dose (0.2-1.2 gr/L).

Results: Removal efficiency increased when pH and initial concentration of 2, 4-dinitrophenol decreased and contact time and adsorbant doze increased. The optimum pH was 5 and the equilibrium time was 100 minutes. The optimal dose of CMK-3 was 0.4 g/L and the adsorption capacity of 2, 4 dinitrophenol by CMK-3 was 194 mg/g.

Conclusion: In general, mesoporous carbon CMK-3 showed high capacity in removal of 2,4 dinitrophenol from aqueous solutions. Therefore, it can be used in the treatment of wastewater containing 2,4 dinitrophenol.