Facile fabrication of pH-sensitive nanoparticles based on nanocellulose for fast and efficient As(V) removal

This study reported a facile method to synthesize novel pH-sensitive nanoparticle based on nanocellulose, involving cross-linking polyethyleneimine and glutaraldehyde. The adsorbent was characterized and found to be sensitive to the solution pH, especially at pH 3. Additionally, the biosorbent exhibited rapid adsorption during the initial 10 min and the As(V) adsorption capacity of the nanoparticles reached approximately 255.19 mg g^-1 at pH 3, which was five times greater than that achieved with the As(V) solution at its initial pH (44.33 mg g^-1). To reflect its performance in actual acidic wastewater, the effects of coexisting anions were also investigated, showing that these anions had little influence on As(V) adsorption. Meanwhile, the adsorbent displayed excellent performance even after eight regeneration cycles. This novel material demonstrates enormous potential for the removal of arsenic contaminants and for the development of pH-sensitive materials.