Functionalized-MnO2/chitosan nanocomposites: A promising adsorbent for the removal of lead ions

In the current study, the surface of alpha manganese dioxide nanorod (alpha-MnO2) functionalized with gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS). The alpha-MnO2-APTS was used as filler for preparation of chitosan (CS) nanocomposites (NCs). The alpha-MnO2-APTSICS NCs were crosslinked with different amount of glutaraldehyde (GA). The effects of the GA content on the morphology, thermal properties and adsorption of NC films were studied. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) results verified the grafting of APTS onto alpha-MnO2. The amount of APTS grafted onto alpha-MnO2 was found to be 20 wt% by thermo gravimetric analysis. Presented results also show that with increasing crosslinker agent concentration, the thermal stability of CS films were increased. The alpha-MnO2-APTS/CS NCs were tested and evaluated as a potential adsorbent for the removal of lead ions. The results showed that the adsorbent exhibited a favorable performance for the removal of lead ions. Therefore, alpha-MnO2-APTS/CS NCs could serve as promising adsorbents. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.