Nanocellulose Aerogel Shows Strong Potential in Purifying Water
A doctoral dissertation from the University of Oulu in Finland explored the use of nanocellulose-based foam materials in purifying water.
Nanocellulose, which is a renewable nanomaterial derived from plant fibers, is lightweight. Despite its weight, it exhibits very high strength and has a large surface area. In this study, Mohammad Karzarjeddi specifically focused on aerogels, which are known for containing 99% air and are made of wood pulp.
According to Karzarjeddi, cellulose transforms into hydrogels composed of thin yet strong cellulose nanofibers. After drying them, they assemble ultra-light, highly porous, air-filled solids called aerogels. He explains that:
“Aerogels can be engineered for multiple high-end applications, such as removing pollutants from water, creating smart packaging that reacts to moisture or temperature, and serving as lightweight materials in wireless and radio-frequency telecommunication technologies.”
In his research, he developed a material called superabsorbents, which are small, spherical, and lightweight aerogel beads, and tested their efficacy in purifying water. The beads were water-repellent and contained embedded magnetic nanoparticles that functioned as absorbents for oils and solvents. Results showed that the hydrophobic and magnetic properties of the aerobeads allowed for the material to be easily recovered and reused in water purification.
In addition to the aerogel beads, he also investigated the effectiveness of nanocellulose-based spherical aerogels with metal-organic frameworks in removing anionic pollutants from water. The study has shown that these aerogels effectively remove diclofenac and methyl orange from water.
Henrikki Liimatainen, a professor at the University of Oulu and Karzarjeddi’s doctoral thesis supervisor, said:
“New materials that promote both general sustainability goals and enable novel future technologies are widely needed. Cellulose nanomaterials possess many unique properties and can be converted into various forms in addition to foams, such as transparent films. They enable the development of lighter, stronger, and more efficient materials that can be used in a wide range of industries.”
Karzarjeddi’s study also highlighted the use of these nanocellulose-based materials in manufacturing smart packaging and creating lightweight materials for wireless communications.
Read the full article here to learn more about these nanocellulose aerogels.
Aqua Solutions is a premier source of quality laboratory water purification systems. For reliable Type I Ultra Pure Water and Type II Pure Water, choose Aqua Solutions’ lab water systems. Learn more about them at https://www.aquaa.com.