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

•A novel crosslinked aminopropyl functionalized α-MnO2 with chitosan was fabricated.•The α-MnO2 nanorods were functionalized with APTS to improve the dispersity.•Study of adsorption of Pb using crosslinked and noncrosslinked α-MnO2-APTS/CS NC.•The thermal properties of α-MnO2-APTS/CS NC were studied.

In the current study, the surface of alpha manganese dioxide nanorod (α-MnO2) functionalized with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS). The α-MnO2-APTS was used as filler for preparation of chitosan (CS) nanocomposites (NCs). The α-MnO2-APTS/CS 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 α-MnO2. The amount of APTS grafted onto α-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 α-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, α-MnO2-APTS/CS NCs could serve as promising adsorbents.