Abstract: Chitosan (CTS) nanospheres are successfully modified dipalmitoyl phosphatidycholine (DPPC) through by solvent removal. The physicochemical properties are characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Furthermore, the CTS-DPPC nanospheres are used as a novel biosorbent for the application in Cr(VI) absorption, and the effect of pH and additional anions on the Cr(VI) adsorption performance is evaluated. Additionally, CTS-DPPC nanofibers are produced by electrospinning to improve adsorption capacity. The results show that the order of Cr(VI) adsorption performance is CTS-DPPC nanofibers, CTS-DPPC nanospheres and CTS nanospheres, which suggests DPPC is helpful for CTS to remove metal ion. Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectrophotometer (XPS) analyses indicate that both amino and hydroxyl groups of CTS-DPPC nanospheres are engaged in the adsorption.

Key words: chitosan, dipalmitoyl phosphatidycholine, nanosphere, nanofiber, Cr(VI) adsorption