Recent advances in chitosan-polyaniline based nanocomposites for environmental applications: A review

The release of contaminants into aquatic ecosystems has become a critical environmental concern that has severely affected human health and the aquatic environment. Over the past few years, chitosan-polyaniline (ChPANI) grafted nanocomposites have played a significant role in the treatment of environmental pollutants due to their several advantages, including improved chemical, mechanical and thermal stability, in addition to their eco-friendly nature. Nowadays, research on innovative methods for the preparation of biodegradable, ecofriendly nanohybrid materials without the use of hazardous chemicals is of great interest and a hot topic among the scientific community. This review comprehensively presents the multifunctional talent of chitosansupported nanocomposites in different fields, with a special focus on the remediation of environmental pollutants and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). This review critically focuses on nanocomposites that have been prepared using hydrothermal, oxidative polymerization, sol-gel chemical routes, and characterized via advanced analytical techniques. The adsorption-desorption mechanism for the removal of pollutants is also discussed with suitable examples. The review identifies key points that demonstrate how synchronization of chitosan and polyaniline might be a ground-breaking pillar to supervise water pollution. At the end, future perspectives of chitosan-polyaniline-based nanocomposites are also included to guide new researchers working in this area of current importance.

Automated summary

This review comprehensively presents the multifunctional properties of chitosan-supported nanocomposites in different fields, with a special focus on their ability to remediate environmental pollutants and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). The preparation process of these nanocomposites is described and characterized using advanced analytical techniques, and the adsorption-desorption mechanism for pollutant removal is discussed.