Copper(II)-EDTA sorption onto chitosan and its regeneration applying electrolysis

Cu(II)-EDTA (ethylendiaminetetraacetate) complexes are widely used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards. In order to avoid the outlet into the environment the sorption of complexes onto chitosan is proposed. The uptake of both Cu(II) and EDTA proceeds in weakly acidic (pH 3-5) and strongly alkaline (pH > 12) solutions. In acidic solutions EDTA sorption prevails. FT-IR investigations have shown that in acidic solutions the amide bonds between -COOH groups of EDTA and -NH2 groups of chitosan were formed. In alkaline solutions the single EDTA sorption does not proceed. In this media the sorption is enhanced by Cu(II) ions. The possible sorption mechanisms are discussed. The uptake of both Cu(II) and EDTA by chitosan depends on the ratio between them in solutions. EDTA sorption in acidic solutions increases with increase in its concentration while that of Cu(II) decreases. In alkaline solutions the sorption of both Cu(II) and EDTA increases with increase in Cu(II) concentration. The use of electrolysis enables to regenerate chitosan and to reuse it. During electrolysis copper is deposited onto the cathode and EDTA is oxidized onto the anode. The current efficiency depends on the current intensity, the load of chitosan and the pH of the background electrolyte. Electrolysis under the most favorable conditions ensures the 10-cycles regeneration without considerable changes in the sorption properties of chitosan. FT-IR spectra of the initial and regenerated chitosans are similar.