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.