Multifunctional 3D cationic starch/nanofibrillated cellulose/silver nanoparticles nanocomposite cryogel: Synthesis,...

We report a new 3D nanocomposite cryogel combines the advantages of cationic starch (Cs), nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Cs was the main component of the cryogel while NFC was used as a filling agent to enhance the mechanical properties of the produced cryogel. Both Cs and NFC endow the cryogel with adsorption properties while Ag NPs enhances its antibacterial properties. Ag NPs was green synthesized with the aid of microwave radiation using NFC as reducing and stabilizing agent. The prepared Ag particles were free of impurities with sizes <10 nm and good stability in solution. Two different concentrations of the prepared Ag NPs were added to a mixture of Cs and NFC and subjected to freeze drying to get porous cryogel (3D microstructure). The Ag NPs free cryogel has highly porosity smooth surface with large surface area. Adding Ag NPs decreased these features and increased the 3D roughness. Optimum adsorption of reactive blue 49 was observed after 30 min of contact with 1.5 g/L of the cryogel at pH 1. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm were best described by the pseudo-first-order and Freundlich equations, respectively. All prepared cryogels have notable antibacterial properties that were significantly improved by adding Ag NPs. Overall, the new 3D composite cryogel can efficiently remove dyes and bacteria from wastewater.