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Carbon–Cellulose Hybrid Materials for Microplastics Removal: Adsorption Mechanisms, Structure–Function Relationships, and Current Challenges
Original title: Carbon–Cellulose Hybrid Materials for Microplastics Removal: Adsorption Mechanisms, Structure–Function Relationships, and Current Challenges
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This review rounds up recent science on a promising new tool for filtering tiny plastic bits out of wastewater: sponge-like materials made from cellulose (plant fiber) combined with carbon, which act like a magnet for microplastics too small for regular water treatment plants to catch. This matters because these tiny plastic particles are increasingly showing up in our water supply and can carry other harmful chemicals with them—but the researchers note this technology still needs more real-world testing before it can be widely used to clean up our water.
Microplastics (MPs, plastic particles < 5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs, plastic particles generally <1 µm), collectively referred to as micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), have emerged as critical contaminants in wastewater systems due to their persistence, small size, and ability to act as vectors for co-contaminants. Conventional wastewater treatment technologies are often insufficient for the effective removal of microplastics, particularly for smaller particles and nanoplastics, necessitating the development of functional materials and innovative treatment strategies. In this review, recent advances in carbon-based materials, cellulose-based materials, and their hybrid carbon-cellulose composites for microplastics removal are critically analyzed and comparatively discussed. Particular attention is given to the structure-function relationships governing adsorption performance, including the roles of hierarchical porosity, surface chemistry, and interfacial interactions. The key mechanisms responsible for microplastics capture-such as hydrophobic interactions, π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attraction, physical entrapment, and pore trapping-are systematically discussed. Carbon-cellulose composite materials are highlighted as a promising class of multifunctional adsorbents due to their synergistic combination of hydrophilic cellulose scaffolds and hydrophobic carbon domains. This dual functionality enables efficient removal of microplastics across a wide range of sizes and morphologies. Recent developments in magnetic and superhydrophobic composite systems further demonstrate enhanced separation efficiency, recyclability, and potential applicability in real wastewater environments. In addition to summarizing recent progress, this review critically examines the methodological inconsistencies, mechanistic uncertainties, and practical limitations associated with current adsorption systems. Despite significant progress, several challenges remain, including the lack of standardized evaluation methods, limited validation under real wastewater conditions, material stability issues, and scalability constraints. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on rational material design, sustainable carbon sources, multifunctional hybrid systems, and integration into existing treatment infrastructures. The development of sustainable hybrid adsorption systems for microplastics remediation also contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by supporting improved wastewater treatment technologies and reduction in emerging aquatic contaminants.
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