Comparison of Co2+ adsorption by chitosan and its triethylene-tetramine derivative: Performance and mechanism

A cross-linked chitosan derivative (CCTS) was synthesized via cross-linking of epichlorohydrin and grafting of triethylene-tetramine. The adsorption performance and capacity of the raw chitosan (CTS) and its derivative were also investigated for removal of Co(2+) from aqueous solution. A maximum adsorbed amount of 30.45 and 59.51mg/g was obtained for CTS and CCTS, respectively under the optimized conditions. In addition, the adsorption kinetics for the adsorption of Co(2+) by CTS and CCTS were better described by the pseudo second-order equation. The adsorption isotherm of CCTS was well fitted by the Langmuir equation, but the data of the adsorption of Co(2+) onto CTS followed Freundlich and Sips isotherms better. Furthermore, the adsorbent still exhibited good adsorption performance after five regeneration cycles. Finally, Co(2+) removal mechanisms, including physical, chemical, and electrostatic adsorption, were discussed based on microstructure analysis and adsorption kinetics and isotherms. Chemical adsorption was the main adsorption method among these mechanisms.