Synthesis and Characterization of Epichlorohydrin- Crosslinked Lumbang (Aleurites moluccana)-Derived Activated Carbon Chitosan Composite as Cr(VI) Bioadsorbent
Angelo Patrick R. Bautista
Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines.
Derick Erl P. Sumalapao *
Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines and Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines.
Nelson R. Villarante
Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Lumbang (Aleurites moluccana) activated carbon chitosan composite crosslinked with epichlorohydrin was synthesized for batch adsorption of toxic Cr(VI) ion from an aqueous solution. The synthesized biosorbent was characterized by instrumental techniques such as FTIR and SEM. The surface morphology of the adsorbent had a porous texture with round- and elliptical-shaped voids as adsorption sites for the adsorbate. Some functionalities including –OH and –NH2 groups were identified on the surfaces. The synthesized activated lumbang-biocharcoal chitosan composite crosslinked with epichlorohydrin adsorbent at the optimized conditions adsorbed 93% of Cr(VI) ion. The investigated adsorption phenomenon described a chemisorption process due to the functional groups identified and the high porosity of the adsorbent surfaces.
Keywords: Lumbang, Aleurites moluccana, chromium, carbon-chitosan composite, SEM, FTIR, chemisorption, epichlorohydrin crosslinking