Synthesis and characterization of aminofunctionalized chitosan-silica nanocomposite for the removal of Cu2+ from waste water

Abstract

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of an aminofunctionalized chitosan-silica nanocomposite using the polymer melt intercalation technique. Chitosan, a biopolymer with inherent biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties, was functionalized with amino groups to enhance its reactivity and potential applications. Silica nanoparticles were incorporated as the reinforcing agent, providing improved thermal and mechanical stability. The polymer melt intercalation method facilitated uniform dispersion of silica within the chitosan matrix, overcoming common agglomeration challenges. The synthesized nanocomposite was thoroughly characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm chemical modifications, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to observe morphological features. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) was used to evaluate structural integrity and dispersion of silica within the polymer matrix. The results demonstrated successful aminofunctionalization and homogeneous silica distribution, leading to a significant improvement in mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and biodegradability. These findings suggest that 0.5 mg of the aminofunctionalized chitosan-silica nanocomposites removed 98% of Cu2+ from contaminated water at an extended pH range of 4 to 6. In addition, the nanocomposite exhibited a significant increase in adsorption capacity at a sample dose ranging from 10 to 50 mg in 50 ml of the model solutions.