Closing the sustainability loop: CuO-infused antibacterial cellulose-dominant matrices for multi-tasking wastewater clean-up and energy storage

Abstract

In tandem with the water contamination brought about by emerging pollutants (EPs), bacterial contamination assumes a pivotal role in water pollution dynamics. Developing efficient yet uncomplicated adsorbents is crucial to meet these demands, even though it remains a challenging endeavor. Addressing this, a cost-effective and straightforward strategy has been proposed for creating a copper oxide (CuO) infused cellulose-dominant matrix (referred to as CuO@SBF) derived from Saccharum officinarum bagasse, aimed at effective ciprofloxacin (Cpf), and methylene blue (MB) dye adsorption, alongside exhibiting antibacterial activity. The CuO-infused SB filter exhibited remarkable effectiveness in capturing methylene blue (MB), surpassing the originally anticipated performance with an adsorption capacity of 361 mg/g, alongside exhibiting notable antibacterial efficacy, particularly with an 11 mm zone of inhibition against Bacillus cereus. In contrast, filters without CuO showed no inhibition zones, underscoring the significance of CuO for antibacterial properties. Beyond their primary function, the used CuO@SBF underwent high-temperature carbonization under nitrogen atmosphere, at 800 °C for 3 h for point-of-use energy storage devices. Remarkably, this subsequent application produced noteworthy outcomes, with the devices attaining a significant capacitance of 161 F/g at a current density of 0.3 A/g. This multifaceted application not only strengthens the adsorbents' sustainability and economic feasibility, but also opens up promising avenues for repurposing waste materials within the domain of energy storage. Hence, the dual-functional CuO@SB filter, boasting impressive antibacterial prowess, is poised to emerge as a prospective contender for effective emerging pollutant adsorption. Moreover, its multifaceted attributes suggest promising applications across diverse domains in the times ahead.