Synthesis of chitosan-CuO composite and it's application as heavy metal adsorbent

Abstract

Shrimp shells is one of the alternative sources for the potential production of chitosan. Chitosan from shrimp shells extracted with acid has high extraction results. The chitosan obtained forms composite with CuO material (mixing materials). The study investigated the synthesis, characterization, and application of chitosan from shrimp shells and the ability of chitosan-CuO composites as heavy metal adsorbent. The physical characterisation its similarity with the commercial chitosan. The composite was made by mixing chitosan and CuO. The bond formation between chitosan-CuO showed by analysis of FTIR. Absorption of chitosan-CuO to mercury (Hg) was 87%. Chitosan-CuO is very potential as absorbent of heavy metal.