Preparation and characterization of Konjac glucomannan-based cation exchange resin

The granular Konjac glucomannan-based cation exchange resin with different pore diameters was synthesized by a low-cost way. The pore diameters could be controlled subtly by regulating the ratio of benign solvent (water) and expansion inhibitor (ethanol). The resin was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its physical parameters were evaluated as well. The results indicated that the cross-linking reaction of Konjac glucomannan phosphate (KGMP) made the surface uneven and brought out a little fold-like structure that was beneficial to the water retention capacity and resin exchange capacity.