Abstract
An original functionalization strategy is proposed here to design chitosan (CS)-based cryogels with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) moieties. Cryogels with aligned micro-sized tubular structures were further engineered through an unidirectional freezing approach. Attachment of EDTA groups onto CS chains was proved by 1H-RMN and FT-IR spectroscopy. The formation of EDTA-functionalized 3D porous CS-based cryogels was demonstrated by several methods of characterization (FTIR spectroscopy, optical microscopy, SEM, porosity measurements, swelling behavior, copper (II) retention capacity). The sorption tests pointed out the high potential of EDTA-functionalized CS-based cryogels for heavy metal ions retention.
Keywords: chitosan; cryo-beads; functionalization; heavy metal ions; sorption kinetics