Development of lignin biochar and its incorporation in cellulose hydrogels for water decontamination

Author(s)

Goncalves, Lucas R. ; Ferreira, Rafaela R. ; Souza, Alana G. ; Barbosa, Rennan F. S. ; da Costa, Talles B. ; Rosa, Derval S.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: POLYMER BULLETIN; v. N/A, p. 25-pg., 2025-03-17.

Abstract

The presence of toxic elements has raised concern about its effects and the search for new cost-efficient alternatives for its removal, and the use of polysaccharides has stood out for its abundance, properties and low cost. Based on these, this work presents the production of lignin biochar (Bc) for incorporation in cellulose hydrogels obtained from eucalyptus waste. A treatment with biochar was used, which demonstrated the ability to obtain stable biochar with high porosity. Then, cellulose hydrogels were developed employing epichlorohydrin as crosslinking agent loaded with Bc contents of 1, 3 and 5 wt%. FTIR, TGA, and XRD analyses revealed no significant structural changes in the hydrogels after the addition of Bc, and the morphology indicated good dispersion and adhesion of the adsorbent material. The hydrogels exhibited good water absorption capacity, and the swelling ratio was greater than 290% for all samples. The evaluation of the adsorption rate of heavy metals by the cellulose-based hydrogel composites presented the following metallic affinity order: Cu2+ > Cr6+ > Cd2+ > Zn2+ > Ni2+ > Mn2+. The results show that the obtained materials have potential to promote water decontamination with environmentally friendly characteristics. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 24/08105-0 - Poly(alfa and beta-cyclodextrins) containing Brazilian clays to remove potentially toxic elements in contaminated water
• Grantee: Rafaela Reis Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 22/01382-3 - Cellulose hydrogels containing modified clays for the removal and recovery of metal ions present in contaminated water
• Grantee: Rafaela Reis Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 23/11783-8 - Composite starch hydrogels for sorption of potentially toxic elements in contaminated water: synergistic interaction between selective ligands in modified nanocellulose
• Grantee: Talles Barcelos da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 21/14714-1 - Multi-user equipment approved in grant 2020/13703-3: Cromatógrafo de Íons Modular 940 Professional IC Vario
• Grantee: Derval dos Santos Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 21/08296-2 - Development of chitosan hydrogels containing modified cellulose nanostructures for metal removal and recovery from contaminated water
• Grantee: Rennan Felix da Silva Barbosa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 20/13703-3 - Environmentally friendly porous materials for the recovery and revaluation of metals reclaimed from contaminated water
• Grantee: Derval dos Santos Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/11133-0 - Development of biodegradable porous starch hydrogels containing modified nanocellulose or nanoclays for the removal and recovery of metals in contaminated water
• Grantee: Talles Barcelos da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral