From microporous to mesoporous mineral frameworks: An alliance between zeolite and chitosan

Microporous and mesoporous minerals are key elements of advanced technological cycles nowadays. Nature-driven microporous materials are known for biocompatibility and renewability. Zeolite is known as an eminent microporous hydrated aluminosilicate mineral containing alkali metals. It is commercially available as adsorbent and catalyst. However, the large quantity of water uptake occupies active sites of zeolite making it less efficient. The widely-used chitosan polysaccharide has also been used in miscellaneous applications, particularly in medicine. However, inferior mechanical properties hampered its usage. Chitosan-modified zeolite composites exhibit superior properties compared to parent materials for innumerable requests. The alliance between a microporous and a biocompatible material with the accompaniment of negative and positive charges, micro/nanopores and proper mechanical properties proposes promising platforms for different uses. In this review, chitosan-modified zeolite composites and their applications have been overviewed.