Self-assembled, porous 3D macrostructures (3DMs) of graphene oxide (GO) are a new class of sorbents for removal of a diverse range of contaminants from water. The immobilization of GO in a solid 3DM eliminates the necessary step for removal of the otherwise stable colloidal GO from water. Unlike colloidal GO, solid 3DMs can be easily stored, transported and manipulated. Despite the progress on forming high surface area and multifunctional GO 3DMs, synthesizing mechanically robust porous macrostructures, especially in wet state, is a challenge. We report the preparation of an ultrastrong GO-based 3DM strengthened with cellulose nanocrystal (CNCs) – natural nanorods isolated from wood pulp – using a green synthesis method with the aid of vitamin C (VC). VC acts as a natural reducing agent, whereas CNCs provide a scaffold that links the reduced GO (rGO) nanosheets together, resulting in an exceptionally stiff nanocomposite. During 3DM synthesis, undissolved excess VC grains act as soft templates, yielding nanocomposites with hierarchical pore architecture, even in the core of large 3DMs as confirmed by micro and nano X-ray tomography. The use of ultra-large GO nanosheets, as well as the interconnected hierarchical pore structure translate into 3DMs with a high specific surface area and large removal capacity for a wide range of contaminants such as dyes, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and bacteria. The GO-CNC 3DMs exhibit excellent contaminant removal from single and multicomponent waters, in batch and continuous removal modes. Additionally, we show that the 3DMs of this study are readily functionalized with various components such as antimicrobial peptides and biopolymers.<br/>

Ultrastrong graphene oxide-cellulose nanocrystal porous 3D macrostructures for removal of water contaminants

256th National Meeting (2018)

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