Three-dimensional, multi-functionalized nanocellulose/alginate hydrogel for efficient and selective phosphate...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Phosphate pollution poses environmental challenges.
• Developing efficient and selective adsorbents for phosphate removal is crucial.
• Existing adsorbents often lack sufficient capacity, selectivity, or regeneration capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multi-functionalized, high-capacity nanocellulose/alginate hydrogel for phosphate adsorption.
• To investigate the adsorption mechanisms and performance of the novel hydrogel.
• To evaluate the potential of the hydrogel for phosphate-contaminated water remediation.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of lanthanum-functionalized nanocellulose/alginate hydrogel (La-NCF/SA-PEI) using eco-friendly methods.
• Characterization of the hydrogel's structure and functional groups.
• Phosphate adsorption experiments to determine capacity, kinetics, and isotherms.
• Analysis of adsorption mechanisms using instrumental techniques and Density-Functional Theory (DFT) calculations.

Main Results:

• The La-NCF/SA-PEI hydrogel exhibited a maximum phosphate adsorption capacity of 78.0 mg/g.
• Adsorption followed a multilayer chemisorption process, confirmed by kinetic and isotherm studies.
• DFT calculations revealed dominant adsorption mechanisms involving ammonium phosphate and lanthanum-phosphate complexes.
• The hydrogel demonstrated high selectivity for phosphate in municipal sewage and aquaculture tail water.

Conclusions:

• The La-NCF/SA-PEI hydrogel is a highly effective adsorbent for phosphate removal.
• Its multi-functionalized structure and eco-friendly design offer significant advantages.
• The hydrogel shows great potential for sustainable and efficient phosphate-contaminated water remediation.
• This work advances the design of biomass-based adsorbents for environmental applications.