| Summary: | In recent years, the study of hybrid composites and their possible applications has sparked considerable attention from researchers. Chitosan, a linear cationic polysaccharide derived from crustaceans such as shrimp and crab shells, is widely used in a variety of industries due to its numerous benefits. Incorporating biomaterials with semiconductors such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been widely utilised for wastewater treatment due to the biocompatibility of chitosan. Chitosan functionalised TiO2 particles have been recognised as a promising material with excellent adsorbent properties, potentially enhancing the efficiency of wastewater treatment. This work presented the fabrication of chitosan/TiO2 composite, and the robustness of the composite was further enhanced by crosslinking method with salicylaldehyde forming an adsorbent for methyl orange (MO) removal from the aqueous solution. The composite was further evaluated for its adsorption and photocatalytic performance in the degradation of MO. The crystal structure of the composite was evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), while the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed that the TiO2 particles were successfully immobilised on the surface of the chitosan. The composite achieved 43.8% adsorption of MO, while 44.9% of MO was degraded under UV-light irradiation at condition; pH = 5; initial MO concentration = 10 ppm; adsorbent dose = 0.3 g; contact time=180 minutes. The study discovered that incorporating TiO2 onto the chitosan matrix enhanced MO removal from the aqueous solution, and this work could provide a promising adsorbent for wastewater treatment. © 2023 AIP Publishing LLC.
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