In this study, quaternized chitosan- alginate complexes containing both amino and carboxyl groups simultaneously were prepared. They showed high efficiency in removal of both cationic and anionic dyes in water. During preparation of these polyelectrolyte complexes, the water-soluble quaternized chitosan was dissolved in CaCl<sub>2</sub> aqueous solution, and then the water solution of alginate was dripped slowly at controlled speed to form hydrogel particles. Certain amount of glutaraldehyde were used as cross-linking agent to improve the stability of polyelectrolyte complex particles. The adsorptions of both cationic (methylene blue) and anionic (Congo red) dyes by dried polyelectrolyte complex particles were investigated systematically by using UV-visible spectrometer under different pH values, ionic strengths and dye concentrations. The desorption of dyes can be easily realized only by adjusting the pH value after separation, while the regenerated polyelectrolyte complex particles still showed high separation efficiency in successive adsorption cycles. These natural polyelectrolyte complex particles should be ideal candidates for removal of both cationic and anionic dyes in waste water.

Preparation of quaternized chitosan- alginate complex particles and their application in dye removal from waste water

ACS Fall 2021

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