Synthesis and Physicochemical Characterization of Nanocellulose from α-Cellulose for Pb(II) Adsorption in Water Remediation
Alban Sánchez˗Sánchez,a Luis Hernández˗García,b Mario Sánchez,c M. Esther Sánchez˗Castro*,a,d
[a] Programa de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología. Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (Cinvestav) Unidad Saltillo, Av. Industria Metalúrgica 1062, Parque Industrial Ramos Arizpe. Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, C.P 25900, México. [b] Environmental Engineering Department, National Technological of México/IT Nuevo León, Av. Eloy Cavazos, 2001 Col, Guadalupe, C.P. 67170, México [c] Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, S.C., Alianza Norte #202, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica (PIIT), Apodaca, NL, C.P. 66628, México. [d] Programa de Sustentabilidad de los Recursos Naturales y Energía. Cinvestav, Unidad Saltillo.
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Abstract
Heavy metal pollution, particularly from Pb(II), presents a critical environmental and public health challenge due to its toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulative nature. In this context, the design of advanced functional materials at the nanoscale offers promising pathways for sustainable water remediation. Accordingly, this study focuses on the synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and application of nanocellulose derived from α-cellulose as a bio-based adsorbent for Pb(II) removal from aqueous solutions. Nanocellulose was obtained via acid hydrolysis, achieving a maximum yield of 52.66% at 60 °C for 120 minutes. The resulting material was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which confirmed the introduction of sulfate groups, whereas X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a preserved crystalline structure. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated thermal stability above 200 °C, a crucial parameter for real-world applications, while scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to examine surface morphology and elemental composition, revealing predominantly spherical nanoparticles with uniform dispersion. Additionally, BET analysis quantified the specific surface area, a property that directly influences adsorption capacity. The surface charge behavior was investigated by determining the point of zero charge (pHpzc) using 0.01 M NaCl solution over 24 hours at 25 °C. Moreover, pH-dependent adsorption efficiency was evaluated across the 3–7 range at an initial Pb(II) concentration of 100 ppm over 24 hours at 25 °C, thereby assessing the material’s removal potential. Our findings demonstrate that sulfated nanocellulose exhibits favorable structural, thermal, and surface physicochemical properties, thus making it a viable, eco-friendly candidate for heavy metal sequestration. Ultimately, this work highlights the intersection of materials physics and environmental engineering, contributing to the development of sustainable nanomaterials for clean water technologies.
Keywords: Nanocellulose; Adsorption; Water.