Preparation of Nanocellulose-Based Aerogel and Its Research Progress in Wastewater Treatment

• Published in: Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 28; no. 8; p. 3541
• Main Authors: Zhao, Jiaxin, Yuan, Xushuo, Wu, Xiaoxiao, Liu, Li, Guo, Haiyang, Xu, Kaimeng, Zhang, Lianpeng, Du, Guanben
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 17.04.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: Activated carbon; Adsorbents; Adsorption; aerogel; Antibiotics; application; Aquatic animals; Aquatic environment; Aquatic plants; Bamboo; Biocompatibility; Biodegradation; Cellulose; Energy consumption; Fabrication; Functional groups; Heavy metals; Homogenization; Materials selection; Metal ions; Methods; nanocellulose; Nanocrystals; Organic solvents; Oxidation; Porosity; Purification; Review; Sewage; Solvents; Wastewater treatment; Water quality; Water treatment; Zeolites; Canada; adsorption; nanocellulose; application; aerogel; wastewater treatment
• ISSN: 1420-3049; 1420-3049
• DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083541

Nowadays, the fast expansion of the economy and industry results in a considerable volume of wastewater being released, severely affecting water quality and the environment. It has a significant influence on the biological environment, both terrestrial and aquatic plant and animal life, and human health. Therefore, wastewater treatment is a global issue of great concern. Nanocellulose's hydrophilicity, easy surface modification, rich functional groups, and biocompatibility make it a candidate material for the preparation of aerogels. The third generation of aerogel is a nanocellulose-based aerogel. It has unique advantages such as a high specific surface area, a three-dimensional structure, is biodegradable, has a low density, has high porosity, and is renewable. It has the opportunity to replace traditional adsorbents (activated carbon, activated zeolite, etc.). This paper reviews the fabrication of nanocellulose-based aerogels. The preparation process is divided into four main steps: the preparation of nanocellulose, gelation of nanocellulose, solvent replacement of nanocellulose wet gel, and drying of nanocellulose wet aerogel. Furthermore, the research progress of the application of nanocellulose-based aerogels in the adsorption of dyes, heavy metal ions, antibiotics, organic solvents, and oil-water separation is reviewed. Finally, the development prospects and future challenges of nanocellulose-based aerogels are discussed.