In Operando Characterization of Nanocellulose Based Water Treatment Materials Using Atomic Force Microscopy and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Nanocellulose, derived from biomass, offers tunable surface chemistry for selective pollutant interaction in aqueous environments.
• Its versatility allows processing into various forms (membranes, hydrogels, filters) for promising water treatment applications.
• Understanding nanocellulose-pollutant interactions is crucial but challenging due to characterization limitations in aqueous conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore advanced characterization tools for understanding nanocellulose interactions with diverse water pollutants under aqueous conditions.
• To summarize research utilizing *in operando* techniques for nanocellulose-based water treatment systems.
• To highlight the potential and challenges of using techniques like AFM and synchrotron scattering in this field.

Main Methods:

• Liquid phase atomic force microscopy (AFM) for nanoscale structure, nanomechanics, and molecular interactions.
• Colloidal probe force spectroscopy for direct interaction measurements.
• *In situ* synchrotron scattering methods for structural analysis in the Å-100 nm range.

Main Results:

• AFM and scattering methods provide nano-, molecular-, and atomic-scale information on nanocellulose-pollutant interactions.
• These techniques elucidate adsorption processes, membrane structures, and interactions in wet environments.
• Careful experimental design is necessary to mitigate water interference and ensure data accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Advanced characterization methodologies like AFM and X-ray scattering are powerful tools for studying nanocellulose in water treatment.
• Limited studies highlight the need for expanding research in this area.
• These methodologies can be extended to evaluate other surface-charge-driven materials and devices under *in situ* conditions.