Nanocellulose-derived aerogels: Preparation strategies, hydrophobic modifications and applications in oil-water separation.

Abstract

Nanocellulose aerogel offers advantages such as a three-dimensional network structure, low density, high porosity, a large specific surface area, renewability, and biodegradability. The separation and treatment of oil-water mixtures can be effectively obtained through filtration and adsorption. This paper systematically summarises the latest research trends in nanocellulose-based aerogels, focusing on their specific applications in the fields of oil pollutant adsorption and oil-water emulsion separation. This primarily encompasses the properties of oil-water mixtures and their separation methods, the fundamental principles of interfacial wettability, and the impact of rough surfaces on the apparent wettability of materials. The preparation process and methods of nanocellulose-based aerogel were discussed, and a comparative analysis of the preparation methods was conducted. The hydrophobic modification methods of nanocellulose-based aerogels are reviewed, and the research status, advantages and disadvantages of the hydrophobic modification methods are presented. Meanwhile, the applications of hydrophilic and hydrophobic nanocellulose aerogels in oil-water separation are introduced. Finally, the research progress of nanocellulose aerogel in the application direction of oil-water separation, as well as the future research and development challenges, are elaborated in detail.