Nanocelllulose Based Adsorbents for Heavy Metal Ions Removal

Abstract

Heavy metal ion pollutions are of serious threat for our human health, and advanced technologies on removal of heavy metal ions in water or soil are in the focus of intensive research worldwide. Nanocellulose based adsorbents are emerging as an environmentally friendly appealing materials platform for heavy metal ions removal as nanocellulose has higher specific surface area, excellent mechanical properties and good biocompatibility. In this review, we briefly compare the differences of three kinds of nanocellulose and their preparation method. Then we cover the most recent work on nanocellulose based adsorbents for heavy metal ions removal, and present an in-depth discussion of the modification technologies for nanocellulose in assembling high performance heavy ions adsorbent process. By introducing functional groups, such as amino, carboxyl, phenolic hydroxyl, and thiol, the nanocellulose based adsorbents not only remove single heavy metal ions through ion exchange, chelation/complexation/coordination, electrostatic attraction, hydrophobic actions, binding affinity and redox reactions, but also can selectively adsorb multiple heavy ions in water. Finally, some challenges of nanocellulose based adsorbents for heavy metal ions are also prospected. We anticipate that the review supplies some guides for nanocellulose based adsorbents applied in heavy metal ions removal field.