XPS spectra of chitosan powder and film acquired by monochromatic Al <i>Kα</i> x-ray source

Chitosan, a polysaccharide containing −OH and −NH2 functional groups, is gaining attention from researchers due to its potential as a sorbent for metal ions. Preliminary results from a national priority project confirmed that chitosan can effectively remove toxic elements from polluted water and recover metals of high economic value, such as rare earth elements. This paper presents the photoelectron core level spectra and valence band spectra obtained from a commercial chitosan powder and a film made up with the same powder. In addition, x-ray induced Auger electron spectra of oxygen, O KLL, are included.