Functionalized chitosan-inspired (nano)materials containing sulfonic acid groups: Synthesis and application

Area of Science:

• * Materials Science
• * Green Chemistry
• * Nanotechnology

Background:

• * Chitosan (CS) is a nature-inspired material with desirable properties like biodegradability and biocompatibility.
• * Growing industrial waste necessitates eco-friendly, cost-effective alternatives to toxic compounds.
• * Functionalized CS-based nanomaterials are gaining research interest for improved properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review methods for preparing sulfonated CS-inspired (nano)materials.
• * To explore the potential applications of these sulfonated materials.
• * To highlight their advantages over unmodified biomaterials.

Main Methods:

• * Chemical modification of natural chitosan to introduce -SO3H groups.
• * Synthesis of heterogeneous functionalized polysaccharide-inspired bio(nano)materials.
• * Investigation of various preparation techniques for sulfonated CS derivatives.

Main Results:

• * Sulfonated CS-inspired (nano)materials exhibit large surface areas and catalytic activity.
• * These materials demonstrate potential in adsorption, catalysis, fuel cells, membranes, and biological applications.
• * Functionalized CS derivatives offer a viable alternative to homogeneous unmodified biomaterials.

Conclusions:

• * Sulfonated CS-inspired (nano)materials are valuable for sustainable applications.
• * Their cost-effectiveness and versatile properties make them attractive for commercialization.
• * Further research into their synthesis and applications is warranted.