Adsorption of thiophene using chitosan functionalized silica as a biopolymer composite

Silica-supported chitosan adsorbent was synthesized by sol-gel process and evaluated for desulfurization of sulfur compounds. Removal of thiophene from thiophene/ n-heptane solutions has been investigated on silica-chitosan hybrid as a new adsorbent. The reduction of sulfur compound happens with strong adsorption between sulfur and the surface of the silica/ chitosan hybrid. This adsorption is the result of the interaction between sulfur atoms in thiophene and NH2 groups in chitosan as well as, the penetration of thiophene molecules into the pores of silica. Recyclability and reusability of this composite is a main advantage of this adsorbent. The preparation method as well as sulfur removal and adsorption characteristics of this adsorbent are described in this paper.