We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Cellulose aerogels in water pollution treatment: Preparation, applications and mechanism
Summary
This review explores how cellulose aerogels, derived from the most abundant natural polymer on Earth, can be used to treat water pollution including microplastic contamination. Researchers found that these biodegradable materials offer a promising sustainable alternative for water treatment due to their unique porous structure, high surface area, and ease of functionalization.
Water pollution remains one of the most pressing global challenges, driving an urgent need for advanced sustainable treatment materials. Derived from cellulose, the most abundant natural polymer on earth, cellulose aerogels (CAs) have become a highly promising candidate due to their unique three-dimensional porous structure, low density, high specific surface area, biodegradability and easy functionalization. Inspiration from the material and structural designs of natural biological systems has also effectively promoted the development and multifunctional applications of high-performance aerogels, positioning cellulose aerogels as a key area of research in the field of water treatment. This review systematically summarizes recent advancements in the design and functionalization strategies of cellulose aerogels specifically tailored for water pollution treatment. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive overview of CAs classification (native, regenerated, derivative, and composite), principal preparation methodologies including sol-gel processes and drying techniques (supercritical, freeze, and ambient pressure drying), and crucial functionalization approaches (such as surface chemical modification, incorporation of functional materials, and biomimetic structural design.). Subsequently, the review elaborates on the diverse applications of functionalized CAs in tackling various water contaminants, including efficient oil-water separation, removal of heavy metal ions, adsorption of organic dyes, treatment of emerging pollutants like microplastics, and solar-driven water desalination. The underlying pollutant removal mechanisms are analyzed in depth, encompassing physical adsorption, size sieving, interfacial wettability control, electrostatic interactions, coordination/ion exchange, photothermal conversion, catalytic degradation, and synergistic effects. This review provides insights for developing advanced cellulose-based aerogels, while highlighting current challenges and future perspectives in water treatment.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Cellulose-Based Aerogels for Environmentally Sustainable Applications: A Review of the Production, Modification, and Sorption of Environmental Contaminants
This review explores how aerogels made from cellulose, a natural plant-based material, can be used to filter pollutants including microplastics from water and soil. While cellulose aerogels are promising because they are biodegradable and come from renewable sources, they need chemical modifications to work effectively in water treatment applications.
Aerogels Fabricated from Wood-Derived Functional Cellulose Nanofibrils for Highly Efficient Separation of Microplastics
Researchers developed aerogel filters from chemically modified wood-derived cellulose nanofibrils that achieved up to 100% efficiency in removing polystyrene microplastics from water. The aerogels captured microplastics through a combination of physical entrapment, electrostatic interaction, and hydrogen bonding, and maintained their effectiveness over eight filtration cycles. The study demonstrates a promising green technology using sustainable materials for addressing microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.
Rapid adsorption of directional cellulose nanofibers/3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane/polyethyleneimine aerogels on microplastics in water
Researchers developed a cellulose nanofiber aerogel modified with polyethyleneimine for rapidly adsorbing microplastics from water. The study found that the aerogel reached adsorption equilibrium within just 20 minutes and followed established kinetic and isotherm models. These findings suggest that modified cellulose-based aerogels could serve as effective, green materials for removing microplastic contamination from water bodies.
Construction of porous sodium alginate/TEMPO-oxidized cellulose composite aerogel for efficient adsorption of crystal violet dye in wastewater
This paper is not about microplastics — it describes a porous aerogel material made from alginate and cellulose for removing cationic dyes from wastewater.
Dialdehyde modified and cationic aerogel for efficient microplastics adsorption from environmental waters
Scientists developed a plant-based aerogel material that can efficiently absorb microplastics from water, achieving removal rates above 90% across a wide range of water conditions. The material maintained its effectiveness after eight reuse cycles, making it a practical and eco-friendly solution. This type of technology could help reduce microplastic levels in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs that supply drinking water.