Data related to the fabrication of hybrid materials based on the polysaccharide chitosan were systematized and reviewed. The possibility of using chitosan as a "host" matrix for in situ synthesis of inorganic compounds for the preparation of various types of composite materials were investigated. Coprecipitation of metal oxides/hydroxides (Fe, Ni, Al, Zr, Cu and Mn) with chitosan was carried out through the alkalinization of solutions containing metal salts and chitosan, with the addition of ammonia or alkali solutions, homogeneous hydrolysis of urea, or electrophoretic deposition on the cathode. The synthesis of transition metal ferrocyanides and hydroxyapatite was achieved from precursor salts in a chitosan solution with simultaneous alkalinization. The mechanism of composite formation during the coprecipitation process of inorganic compounds with chitosan is discussed. Composite materials are of interest as sorbents, coatings, sensors, and precursors for the production of ceramic and electrode materials.
Keywords: chitosan; fabrication method; ferrocyanide; hydroxyapatite; metal hydroxides; metal oxides; nanocomposites.