Synthesis, characterization and application of new adsorbent composites based on sol-gel/chitosan for the removal of soluble substance in water

In this work, new adsorbent composites from the silica precursor tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and chitosan have been successfully synthesized, denominated 20%Chi, 30%Chi and 40%Chi. The composites presented enhanced chemical and physical characteristics, with emphasis on the high surface areas between 374.94 m2/g to 886.31 m2/g. The application of the composites in the model system (TY - Tartrazine yellow dye), presented adsorption capacities dependent on the amount of chitosan in the composite (40%Chi > 30%Chi > 20%Chi). However, from the experimental data of the constituent materials, 30%Chi provided the greatest increase in the adsorption capacity in the monolayer, with values of 36%. This demonstrates that the amount of chitosan in the compound alters the arrangement of adsorption sites. The 30%Chi composite presented life cycle superior to 10 reuse cycles.