Preparation of some chitosan heavy metal complexes and study of its properties

The chitosan was prepared and mixed with some metal salts (FeCl 3 , Co(OAc) 2 and NiCl 2 ) by different concentrations to form chitosan-metal complexes. The metal ions which strongly complexed to the amino groups of chitosan like Fe showed a smooth surface product, amorphous phase, thermally more stable and high electrical conductivity than other complexes, while the Co ions which the weakly complexed with chitosan showed a rough surface product, crystalline phase, thermally less stable and low electrical conductivity. The chitosan-metal complexes have a higher electrical conductivity than chitosan pure at room temperature.