Cellulose from Wood for Dye Pollution Removal

Date:23 March 2023

Country: Sweden

Application

• Water purification: The cellulose nanocrystal-based material is used to remove dye pollutants from wastewater, particularly from the textile industry.

Description

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have developed a cellulose-based powder to purify wastewater, specifically targeting dye pollutants from the textile industry. The material, made from cellulose nanocrystals, effectively absorbs and breaks down toxins with the help of sunlight. Laboratory tests have shown that it can remove at least 80% of dye pollutants. This simple, cost-effective purification method could be a game-changer for water treatment in areas with limited resources.

Pathway Description:

The process used in this project involves the conversion of cellulose into cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), which are tiny, high-surface-area nanoparticles derived from wood or other cellulose-rich materials. These CNCs are processed into a powder form, which acts as an effective adsorbent for dye pollutants in wastewater. When polluted water flows through the cellulose powder filter, the dye molecules are absorbed onto the surface of the CNCs. The presence of sunlight then catalyzes the breakdown of the absorbed dye pollutants, facilitating their degradation and removal from the water. The whole process is efficient, cost-effective, and does not require high pressure or heat.