Synthesis, characterization of acrylamide grafted chitosan and its use in removal of copper(II) ions from water

The graft copolymerization of acrylamide onto chitosan in aqueous medium was investigated, using potassium persulfate (PPS) as initiator. The graft copolymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra analysis, differential scanning calorimetric and thermogravimetric analysis. The effects of polymerization variables, such as the initiator concentration, the ratio of monomer to chitosan, as well as, reaction temperature were studied, and the grafting conditions were optimized. The prepared polymers which have the highest percentage of grafting (PG) have been used in removal of Cu(II) ions from water by followed adsorption studies at pH = 7. The amount of metal ion uptake of the polymers was determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The effect of polymer mass and temperature on the adsorption of Cu(II) ions have been also reported. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to fit the experimental data. The experimental data of the adsorption equilibrium from Cu(II) solution correlates well with the Langmuir isotherm equation.