Synthesis and characterization of a new developed modified-chitosan Schiff base with improved antibacterial properties for the removal of Bismarck Brown R and Eosin Y dyes from wastewater

In this study, the synthesis of a new chitosan-based Schiff base with surface modification using chloroethanoic acid was reported. The physicochemical attributes of the modified chitosan Schiff base were studied. The modified chitosan was characterized using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique; Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV–visible spectroscopies; thermogravimetric analysis; and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The Bruner-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis was performed to determine the surface area of the synthesized compound and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to characterize its surface morphology. The adsorption efficacy of Bismarck Brown R was evaluated through the multilayer formation, whereas Eosin Y was adsorbed onto a homogenous surface through the formation of a monolayer. Additionally, the modified Schiff base's adsorption efficacy for the BBR and EY dye was calculated to be 327 and 386 mg/g, respectively. The modified chitosan effectively inhibited both gram positive and gram negative bacteria, thus, exhibiting antibacterial properties. The results showed that the synthesized chitosan-based Schiff base could be used to remove the dyes from wastewater.