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Application of Nanocellulose in Environmental, Water Purification and Storage Energy Industries
Summary
This review paper rounds up existing research on nanocellulose, a material made from plant fibers, and its potential to clean up polluted water by filtering out heavy metals, harmful chemicals, and even microplastics. This matters because access to cleaner drinking water directly protects human health, and using a plant-based material instead of synthetic chemicals could make water purification more affordable and eco-friendly. The paper also notes nanocellulose's promise in better batteries, which could support cleaner energy technology, though these are areas still being researched rather than proven, ready-to-use solutions.
This book chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging applications of nanocellulose, a unique nanomaterial derived from cellulose, in three key industries: environmental engineering, water purification, and energy storage. In the environmental domain, the chapter explores how nanocellulose-based materials can be utilized as effective adsorbents, catalysts, and membranes for the removal of various pollutants, such as heavy metals, organic compounds, and microplastics from wastewater and contaminated soil. The chapter then turns to the exceptional adsorption capabilities, high surface area, and tailorable surface chemistry of nanocellulose, which enable efficient environmental remediation. It then examines the application of nanocellulose in water purification, focusing on how nanocellulose-based membranes and filters have demonstrated the ability to remove a diverse range of contaminants, including pathogens, salts, and organic matter, from water sources. Furthermore, the chapter examines the development of high-performance, sustainable, and cost-effective nanocellulose-based water purification systems. Additionally, it explores the use of nanocellulose in energy storage applications. It highlights how nanocellulose-derived materials, such as aerogels, hydrogels, and composites, have been investigated as electrode materials and separators in advanced energy storage devices, including lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells. The chapter places particular emphasis on the distinctive properties of nanocellulose, including its high surface area, mechanical strength, and ion-conducting capabilities. These attributes render it an appealing candidate for enhancing the performance and safety of energy storage systems. The chapter offers a comprehensive review of the latest research and development in these three industries, providing valuable insights into the emerging applications of nanocellulose and its potential to address environmental, water purification, and energy storage challenges.