Preparation and Desorption Performance of Gelatin Microspheres

A novel microspheres adsorbent was prepared by the emulsion-congealed crosslinking method. The gelatin was as raw material and glutaraldehyde was as the crosslinking agent. The product was characterized by AFM, Zeta Potential Tester and SEM. These results showed that there were some irregular protuberances and grooves on the surface of gelatin microspheres. The relative surface roughness namely Ra was equal to 2.469E+01nm. The isoelectric point of gelatin microspheres was 3.2. Their morphology was almost not affected by treatment of the acid and alkali, and the performance of the acid and alkali resistance was superior. The result of desorption experiment showed that the regeneration ability of gelatin microspheres was stronger in the alkali solution than that in the distilled water. The optimum desorption temperature was 30°C. The desorption process got to balance for 80min. The desorption rate got to 88% in the alkali solution and regeneration effect was obvious. The result of the second-adsorption experiment showed that the desorbed adsorbent which was used in the second-adsorption experienced the same as the first-adsorption process. And the saturated adsorption capacity changed a little. So the gelatin microspheres can be recycled.