Large neutral amino acids applications

Chitosan, a widely used natural biopolymer, has been studied for the adsorption of various metal ions from dilute solutions. Unfortunately, the inherent properties of chitosan, such as hydrophilicity and metal-binding capability, are often insufficient to meet the requirements of a number of applications. To improve these properties, both chemical and physical modifications of chitosan are required. Thus, Aliquat 336-functionalized chitosan as adsorbent was prepared. In fact, the new chitosan adsorbent can also be described as P-SIL containing quaternary ammonium ionic liquid [23]. Unlike the previous reported structure, the Aliquat 336-functionalized chitosan, which was prepared by acid/base neutralization reaction, consists largely of cations and anions (Fig. 5.12). The structure was so flexible that the adsorption ability could be controlled precisely. Moreover, incorporation of Aliquat 336 into the chitosan backbone could significantly enhance its metal ions extraction ability. It has been shown to have much improved affinity for Pb " than pure chitosan. This may be explained in that the new strategy doesn t reduce the original amino active sites besides, the synergistic effect between cation and anion also contributes to the enhancement of adsorption capabilities. On the other hand, the effort to increase selectivity of the adsorbent for one metal ion over others is to make the adsorbent sterically efficient with that metal ion only. The new chitosan-... 

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