Microwave Irradiation Assisted Preparation of Chitosan Composite Microsphere for Dye Adsorption

Chitosan-activated carbon composite microspheres were prepared by emulsion cross-linking method and its adsorption properties for methyl orange were studied. Chitosan solution was mixed with activated carbon powder and then chitosan was cross-linked by epichlorohydrin under microwave irradiation. SEM photos show that the composite microspheres have diameters of 200–400 μm and activated carbon powder dispersed on the surface of composite microsphere. FTIR spectrum indicates chitosan is successfully cross-linked. Microwave irradiation can effectively shorten the cross-linking time. Composite microspheres have enhanced dye adsorption capacity for methyl orange compared to chitosan microspheres. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model. Isotherm studies show that the isotherm adsorption equilibrium is better described by Freundlich isotherm. Regeneration results show that adsorption capacity of composite microsphere decreased about 5.51% after being reused for three times. These results indicated that chitosan-activated carbon composite microsphere has potential application in the removal of dye from wastewaters