Synthesis of ion-imprinted chitosan-TiO2 adsorbent and its multi-functional performances

During the preparation of a novel adsorbent, molecular imprinting technology and photo degradation technology were coupled through the immobilization of nanometer titanium dioxide on molecular imprinted chitosan matrixes. This novel adsorbent can not only degrade organic compound but also adsorb the heavy metal ions. The compound adsorbent was characterized by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and FI-IR spectrum. As can be deduced from the FI-IR spectrum, hydrogen bond was one of the combination strengths between chitosan and TiO2. The effects of amount of TiO2, chitosan concentration, solidifying solutions and imprinting ions on the degradation of methyl orange and adsorption for Ni2+ ions were investigated. The adsorptive capacity and degradability of the adsorbent were assessed in this work too.