Highly efficient Cr(VI) remediation by cationic functionalized nanocellulose beads.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Nanocellulose exhibits valuable properties for water treatment, including renewability and high surface area.
• Developing stable and efficient nanocellulose-based adsorbents is crucial for practical water remediation.
• Carboxymethyl cellulose nanofibrils (CMCNFs) offer a biodegradable platform for adsorbent development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and evaluate a stable, cationized nanocellulose adsorbent for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) removal.
• To elucidate the Cr(VI) adsorption mechanism using the developed nanocellulose material.
• To assess the adsorbent's structural stability and reusability in water treatment.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of carboxymethyl cellulose nanofibril (CMCNF) macrobeads.
• Surface modification of CMCNFs with polyethyleneimine (PEI) to create P/CMCNF adsorbent.
• Evaluation of Cr(VI) removal efficiency and adsorption capacity.
• Investigation of adsorption mechanisms including electrostatic attraction, chemical reduction, and chelation.
• Assessment of underwater stability and reusability.

Main Results:

• The P/CMCNF adsorbent exhibited a superior Cr(VI) removal capacity of 1302.3 mg/g, surpassing other cellulose-based materials.
• Effective Cr(VI) removal was achieved through a combination of electrostatic attraction, chemical reduction, and chelation.
• The macrobead fabrication and PEI modification enhanced the P/CMCNF's underwater stability.
• The adsorbent demonstrated excellent reusability, indicating its potential for long-term water treatment applications.

Conclusions:

• Cationized nanocellulose (P/CMCNF) is a highly effective adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal from water.
• The developed material offers excellent adsorption capacity, stability, and reusability.
• This study presents a promising nanocellulose-based solution for advanced water treatment and environmental remediation.