Studies on synthesis and adsorption properties of chitosan cross-linked by glutaraldehyde and Cu(II) as template under microwave irradiation

A series of cross-linked chitosan resins have been synthesized by forming chitosan coordination of Cu(II) as template in dilute acetic acid solutions under microwaves irradiation, then reacting the Cu(II)–chitosan complex with glutaraldehyde as cross-linking agent under microwave irradiation, and finally removing off the Cu(II ) with dilute acid. The adsorption capacity and selectivity of the cross-linked chitosan for Cu2+, Ni2+ and Co2+ have also been investigated. The experimental results show that these resins obtained have better adsorption capacity for Cu2+ than Ni2+ and Co2+, very good stability and reusability in acidic solutions.