Preparation and characterization of poly(maleic acid)-grafted cross-linked chitosan microspheres for Cd(II)...

A novel adsorbent, composed of poly(maleic acid)-grafted cross-linked chitosan microspheres (PMACCMs), was prepared via cross-linking with glutaraldehyde and modification by grafting maleic acid. FTIR, zeta potential, elemental analysis, ¹³C NMR, DTG, laser particle size analysis, SEM, and BET methods were applied to characterize PMACCMs, exhibiting a successful fabrication, good thermostability, and well-defined surface microstructure beneficial to Cd(II) adsorption. The effects of pH, contact time, and initial concentration on Cd(II) adsorption were also investigated, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 39.2mgg^-1, indicating a great improvement as compared with that (14.5mgg^-1) of cross-linked chitosan microspheres. The experimental data were well fitted with pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. Five-cycle reusability tests demonstrated PMACCMs could be repeatedly used with a small adsorption capacity loss (<15%). Additionally, the adsorption mechanism was proposed. All the results confirmed that PMACCMs, which presented outstanding adsorption capability and reusability, could be a good candidate for wastewater purification.