Synthesis of konjac glucomannan-silica hybrid materials with honeycomb structure and its application as activated carbon support for Cu(II) adsorption

Hybrid organic-inorganic materials are of interest for a wide range of applications in fields of biotechnology, medical science, and green chemistry. In this study, we illustrated the principles of synthesis, the structure, and the functions of a novel konjac glucomannan (KGM) based biopolymer-silica hybrid materials. Nano-silicon dioxide (SiO2) was applied as composites, combined with KGM, to form a highly porous structure by using a simple and versatile route – freeze drying. We systematically varied the Nano-SiO2 concentration and solution pH value, the as-prepared organic-inorganic porous materials are highly ordered and highly strengthened with an average porous diameter of 100 μm, with honeycomb structure, tailored mechanical properties, and excellent support capacity. Activated carbon (AC)-loaded porous materials (CKNSi) exhibited a high Cu(II) adsorption capacity.