Preparation of polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEDGE) crosslinked chitosan/activated carbon composite film for Cd2+ removal

Preparation and characterization of polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEDGE) crosslinked chitosan/activated carbon composite film have been conducted. PEDGE was used as crosslinking agent and activated carbon as a filler on composite film preparation. The composite films were produced with several ratios of chitosan/PEDGE/activated carbon. Tensile test, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron Microscope (SEM) were used to study the structure and properties of PEDGE crosslinked chitosan/activated carbon composite film. Tensile test results showed crosslinking and filler influenced the tensile strength of composite films. The best composite film was obtained at 0.70/0.10/0.20 mixing ratio of chitosan/PEDGE/activated carbon. FTIR, SEM and XRD analysis confirmed the formation of PEDGE crosslinked chitosan/activated carbon composite films. The obtained PEDGE crosslinked chitosan/activated carbon composite film was used for adsorption of Cd2+. The highest adsorption capacity of Cd2+ was obtained at pH 5 and 40 min contact time. Based on Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, the maximum adsorption capacity (Q) of Cd2+ by PEDGE crosslinked chitosan/activated carbon composite film was 357.14 mg/g. Regeneration studies showed the PEDGE crosslinked chitosan/activated carbon composite film can be used repeatly with high performance.