MODIFICATION OF MATERIALS WITH EDTA AND CHITOSAN AND APPLICATION TO REMOVE Pb2+ IN AN AQUEOUS ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

In this study, SiO₂, Zeolite materials, and activated carbon (AC) were prepared using simple methods. They were modified with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and chitosan (CS) to enhance their adsorption capacity. The adsorption capacity of as-synthesised materials was evaluated by adsorpting Pb²⁺ in the aqueous environment. The characteristics of as-synthesised materials were analyzed by modern methods including X–Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and specific surface area analysis (BET). Surface modification of materials with EDTA and CS does not change the original structure of the materials. However, the morphology and surface of the materials have been significantly changed. Modification with EDTA and CS enhances the Pb²⁺ adsorption capacity of the materials. The Pb²⁺ adsorption efficiencies of EDTA/CS/Zeolite, EDTA/CS/SiO₂, and EDTA/CS/AC materials were 72.94, 81.67 and 84.13 %, respectively. Surface modification of materials with EDTA and CS is a promising method in the field of heavy metal treatment in an aqueous environment.