Glutaraldehyde Cross-Linked Chitosan Nanofibers: Preparation, Characterization and Application in Adsorption of Cu...

Chitosan nanofibers were prepared via electrospinning and cross-linked by a treatment with glutaraldehyde (GA) in order to obtain insoluble adsorbents in aqueous acidic and basic solutions. Then, the prepared nanofiber was investigated for its adsorption of Cu (II) in aqueous solution. The effects of the viscosity, conductivity of chitosan-TFA spinning solution and the properties of the nanofibers related to the molecular weight of chitosan were studied. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images demonstrated a smooth and inter-connected morphology comprising fibers with diameters between 70 nm and 350 nm. An amount of 72 mg/g of Cu (II) adsorption was achieved and its mechanism was elucidated. After removing the adsorbed Cu (II), the cross-linked chitosan nanofibers were regenerated and could be reused.