Synthesis of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid-Functionalized Chitosan Cryogels as Potential Sorbents of Heavy Metal Ions

An original functionalization strategy is proposed here to design chitosan (CS)-based cryogels with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) moieties. Cryogels aligned micro-sized tubular structures were further engineered through an unidirectional freezing approach. Attachment of EDTA groups onto CS chains was proved by 1H-RMN and FT-IR spectroscopy. The formation EDTA-functionalized 3D porous CS-based demonstrated several methods characterization (FTIR spectroscopy, optical microscopy, SEM, porosity measurements, swelling behavior, copper (II) retention capacity). sorption tests pointed out the high potential for heavy metal ions retention.