Preparation and application of magnetic chitosan in environmental remediation and other fields: A review
Veino Risto Shaumbwa, Dagang Liu, Bright Archer, Jinlei Li, Fan Su
Abstract
Abstract Magnetic chitosan has received considerable attention over the decades due to its low cost, biodegradability, green sources, magnetic intensity. In this review, we reviewed the preparation methods of magnetic chitosan using co‐precipitation, cross‐linking and electrochemical. Therein cross‐linking methodologies involved in the reaction of amino groups are facile to introduce additional reaction groups and improve anti‐swelling of chitosan layers, mostly in an acidic environment. Besides, we focused on the applications of magnetic chitosan in various fields such as wastewater treatment, for example, removal of heavy metal ions, organic/inorganic dyes, fluorides, and pesticides. Moreover, magnetic chitosan also reveals great potential application in the field of medical, pharmaceutical, food and electronic screening. Above all, magnetic chitosan is economically and operationally beneficial as it can be easily separated and controlled with an external magnetic field and can be modified to maximize its functions.