In situ crosslinking of chitosan and formation of chitosan–silica hybrid membranes with using γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane as a crosslinking agent

Crosslinking on chitosan was conducted with γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) with in situ formation of chitosan–silica hybrid membranes. The formed silica structure was observed with 29Si NMR, scanning, and transmission electronic microphotograghy. Energy dispersive X-ray Si-mapping analysis demonstrated the homogeneous dispersion of silica in chitosan polymer domains. The formed chitosan–silica hybrid materials exhibited improved thermal stability and low degree of swelling in water. The hydrophilicity of chitosan membranes was maintained after the crosslinking reaction. This approach provided a convenient way to prepare crosslinked chitosan and chitosan–silica hybrid materials and the materials were potentially applied in biomaterials and separation membranes.