New physical and chemical properties of chitosan-samarium composite: Synthesis and characterization

Abstract

Chitosan (CHN) is a natural polymer derived from chitin by deacetylation method and has hydrophilic properties. It has been developed by combining it with other compounds to change their surface structures with suitable chemical surfaces and to increase their abilities and activities. Modification of CHN with lanthanide ions can increase its function as adsorbent for heavy metals, removal anions dye, drug conductor, and/or for oil-water separation. In this paper, chitosan-samarium (CHN-Sm) composites were prepared using impregnation method. The concentration of CHN and Sm were also varied and investigated in details. This modification is aimed to produce CHN-Sm composites with new physical and chemical properties. Various ratio CHN and Sm contents from 2:0.3; 2:0.5; 2:1 and 2:2 (w/w) were observed to enhance the hydrophobic characteristic of CHN. Characterization of the CHN-Sm composites were conducted using FTIR, SEM-EDX and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The emission of the CHN-Sm composites showed the characteristic emission of Sm3+ ions (4G5/2-6H7/2, and 4G5/2-6H11/2), but also a stronger wide emission band (360-500 nm) of the CHN. Furthermore, the CHN-Sm composites can be used as the active site in adsorbent for separation of water-oil.