Synthesis of konjac glucomannan-silica hybrid materials with honeycomb structure and its application as activated carbon support for Cu(II) adsorption

Hybrid organic-inorganic materials are of interest for a wide range of applications in fields of biotechnology, medical science, and green chemistry. In this study, we illustrated the principles of synthesis, the structure, and the functions of a novel konjac glucomannan (KGM) based biopolymer-silica hybrid materials. Nano-silicon dioxide (SiO2) was applied as composites, combined with KGM, to form a highly porous structure by using a simple and versatile route - freeze drying. We systematically varied the Nano-SiO2 concentration and solution pH value, the as-prepared organic-inorganic porous materials are highly ordered and highly strengthened with an average porous diameter of 100 mu m, with honeycomb structure, tailored mechanical properties, and excellent support capacity. Activated carbon (AC)-loaded porous materials (CKNSi) exhibited a high Cu(II) adsorption capacity. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.