The Applicability of Cellulose — Tara Gum Composite Hydrogels as Dye Capture Adsorbents

Modifying soluble NPK release with hydrophobized nanocellulose-based hydrogels for sustainable enhanced efficiency fertilizers

“…The cellulosic hydrogel beads were found to have a solid content of 2.2 ± 0.4% and a size of 2.8 ± 0.2 mm, similar to other reported studies. 31 The low solid content in the beads suggests that when highly ionic NPK solutions are exchanged for the liquid inside, the driving mechanism will be the osmotic pressure, with the absorption and water retention in the bead structure resulting from the ionic nature of the salts contained in the fertilizer media. 49 As such, a soluble salt-based fertilizer will be the ideal cargo to be carried by these cellulosic hydrogels.…”

“…This process is also not dependent on the raw material of choice, allowing for the use of side streams from other processes and the use of unbleached cellulose pulps containing other biopolymers such as hemicelluloses, lignin, and pectin. 31 The biocompatibility, ability to use diverse feedstocks, improved release values, and versatility of this method to further optimize materials arguably outweigh concerns regarding the use of nanocellulose. This nanocellulose-based product is a promising material for EEF development with potential long-term benefits for agriculture and the environment.…”

“…The formation of the hydrogel beads was done by adapting the process previously described. 31 In brief, the produced suspension was diluted to 1.4 wt%. Sodium hydroxide (12 wt%) and urea (7 wt%) were then added to the solution while the temperature was lowered to −10 °C.…”

“…29,30 This method has been shown to produce low density nanocellulose-based beads with a high water content that can be exchanged with other solutions, thereby trapping the molecules within the cellulosic matrix. 31 These superabsorbent hydrogel beads have been explored as packaging materials, 29,32 drug carriers, 30,33 antimicrobial and water treatment scaffolds, 34,35 and cell carriers. 36 For the majority of these applications, the regenerated beads must be further washed to remove residual urea, nitrates, and nitric acid.…”