Preparation and characterization of ZnO/Chitosan nanocomposite for Cs(I) and Sr(II) sorption from aqueous solutions

1:1 ZnO/Chitosan nanocomposite (nZnOCS nanocomposite) successfully prepared by sol–gel method and used as a sorbent for Cs(I) and Sr(II). The prepared samples characterized by different analytical techniques as FTIR, SEM, TEM, XRD, particle size analyzer, TGA/DTA, and pore size distribution. Optimization of pH of the medium, contact time, initial metal ion concentration and temperature for the sorption reaction performed. The sorption reaction kinetics follows pseudo-2nd order. The monolayer capacities at 298 K are 253.81 and 116.1 mgg −1 for Cs(I) and Sr(II), respectively. The sorption process is spontaneous and endothermic.