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Application of Nanocellulose in Environmental, Water Purification and Storage Energy Industries
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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.
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Potential of Nanocellulose for Microplastic removal: Perspective and challenges
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Researchers reviewed how nanocellulose — tiny fibers derived from plant cell walls — can capture and remove microplastics from water through its large surface area and adaptable chemistry, positioning it as a promising, naturally biodegradable filter material. While early results are encouraging, further research is needed to optimize how nanocellulose works at scale in real drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.
Harnessing lignocellulose hydrogels for efficient and antifouling nanoplastic-capture membranes
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Scientists created a filter made from lignocellulose (a plant-based material found in wood and plant fibers) that can remove over 95% of tiny nanoplastic particles from water without clogging up like traditional filters do. This matters because nanoplastics are increasingly found in our drinking water and are too small for many current filtration systems to catch effectively, so a cheap, plant-based solution like this could help reduce our exposure to these pollutants. The used filters can even be recycled into other useful products, making this a more sustainable option overall.
Capturing the colloidal microplastics with plant-based nanocellulose networks
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Researchers found that nanocellulose—a material derived from plants—can efficiently capture colloidal microplastics and even nanoplastics from water, including particles too small for conventional filters. Plant-based nanocellulose networks could offer a sustainable, biodegradable solution for removing the smallest and most challenging microplastic fractions from water.
Nanocellulose nano zero valent iron composite membranes for synergistic microplastic remediation and sustainable water purification a review
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This review pulls together over a decade of research on a promising new water filter material that combines plant-based fibers (nanocellulose) with tiny iron particles to trap microplastics—those tiny plastic bits increasingly found in our water and bodies. The catch: these filters physically capture plastic particles rather than breaking them down, and while lab results look encouraging, real-world testing and safety questions about the nanomaterials themselves still need answers before this technology reaches your tap. Still, it points to a potential path toward cleaner drinking water as microplastic pollution becomes a growing public health concern.
Aqueous All-Polymer Batteries Based on Cellulose-Based Electrodes
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Scientists have developed a new type of battery made from cellulose (plant fiber) instead of the plastic and metal parts found in most batteries today. This matters because when regular batteries break down, they can shed microplastics into the environment, which are increasingly linked to health concerns as they accumulate in our water, food, and even our bodies. This early-stage battery isn't as powerful as commercial ones, but it points toward a future where everyday electronics could be less toxic and better for both the planet and human health.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.