A Review for Nanocellulose-based Materials in Water Treatment

Nanocellulose, which refers to cellulose at the nanoscale, has been extensively employed for water treatment. It can be synthesized in diverse formats, such as colloidal powders that can be easily dispersed in water, films, membranes, nanosheets, hydrogels/aerogels, and three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds. Their claimed activity is the elimination of water pollutants such as heavy metals, dyes, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, microbiological cells, and other pollutants from water systems. This article provides a concise overview of the latest advancements in water treatment utilizing nanocellulose-based materials. The study also incorporated a scientometric analysis of the topic. Cellulose-based compounds facilitate the elimination of water pollutants, while salts provide sophisticated techniques for water desalination. They are extensively utilized as substrates, adsorbents, and catalysts. These methods were used to remove pollutants, including adsorption, filtration, disinfection, coagulation/flocculation, chemical precipitation, sedimentation, Reverse Osmosis (RO), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), electrofiltration (Electrodialysis), ion-exchange, chelation, catalysis, and photocatalysis. The conversion of cellulose into commercial goods facilitates the extensive utilization of nanocellulose-based materials as adsorbents and catalysts.