Selective adsorption of Ga(III) from aqueous solutions using magnetic chitosan-based ion-imprinted polymers: Synthesis optimization and mechanistic insights

Daoguang Teng; Chenglin Liu; Lukuan Ma; Peng Jin; Guixia Fan; Peng Li; Yijun Cao; Wei Wang

doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139957

Selective adsorption of Ga(III) from aqueous solutions using magnetic chitosan-based ion-imprinted polymers: Synthesis optimization and mechanistic insights

Int J Biol Macromol. 2025 Jan 16:298:139957. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139957. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Daoguang Teng¹, Chenglin Liu², Lukuan Ma², Peng Jin², Guixia Fan¹, Peng Li¹, Yijun Cao¹, Wei Wang³

Affiliations

¹ Zhongyuan Critical Metals Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; The Key Lab of Critical Metals Minerals Supernormal Enrichment and Extraction, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China; School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Luoyang Industrial Technology Institute, Luoyang 471000, China.
² School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
³ Zhongyuan Critical Metals Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; The Key Lab of Critical Metals Minerals Supernormal Enrichment and Extraction, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China; School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Luoyang Industrial Technology Institute, Luoyang 471000, China. Electronic address: whutwangwei@126.com.

PMID: 39826741
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139957

Abstract

A magnetic chitosan-based ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) with high adsorption capacity, excellent selectivity for Ga(III), easy magnetic separation, and remarkable reusability was synthesized via a simple crosslinking polymerization. The IIP exhibited a Ga(III) adsorption capacity of 434.00 mg/g at pH 4, demonstrating high efficiency for Ga(III) removal from aqueous solutions. The material showed excellent selectivity for Ga(III) over competing ions such as Zn(II), Ge(IV), and In(III). Kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption follows the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemical adsorption as the dominant mechanism. Adsorption data fitted the Langmuir model, indicating monolayer adsorption. Thermodynamic analysis showed endothermic adsorption with an increase in entropy, suggesting a favorable adsorption process. Characterization confirmed a large specific surface area, abundant functional groups, and strong magnetic properties, contributing to high Ga(III) recovery performance. Gaussian and Multiwfn software analyses revealed that chelate coordination between the -OH and -NH₂ groups in CS and Ga(III) ions drives selective adsorption. The IIP demonstrated excellent recyclability, maintaining performance after multiple cycles. This study presents a novel, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly approach for Ga(III) extraction, with significant potential for selective Ga(III) adsorption and efficient recovery.

Keywords: Chitosan; Ga(III) adsorption; Ion imprinted polymer.