Novel Collagen-Chitosan Based Hydrogels Reinforced with Manganite as Potential Adsorbents of Pb 2+ Ions

The contamination of water by Pb2+ ions is a problem that requires an imminent solution. Design of hydrogels based on polymers as well as inorganic phases is an innovative alternative for the generation of matrices with adapted properties. This work proposes the synthesis of a novel composite hydrogel based on collagen-polyurethane-chitosan reinforced with manganite; this inorganic phase increases the velocity of the adsorption process of the Pb2+ ions. The effect of the concentration of manganite on the properties of composite hydrogels is studied. The results indicate that the composite reinforced with manganite presents an amorphous structure, improved mechanical properties and resistance to the both acidic and proteolytic degradation. The hydrogel with 35 wt% of manganite show a removal rate of Pb2+ of 91 ± 6% at 24 h. These hydrogel composites could represent an efficient and sustainable alternative for the removal of Pb2+ ions from contaminated water.