(734a) Cellulose Nanocomposite Aerogels Towards Oil and Organic Solvent Adsorption

In this study, we prepared two kinds of nanocellulose nanocomposite aerogels including oleic acid (OA) modified nanomagnetite/nanocellulose aerogel (called as OA/NC/Fe₃O₄) and nanoalumina/nanocellulose aerogel (NC/Al₂O₃) by a mechanical mixing combined with freeze-drying method. We have studied the optimal conditions for fabricating these nanocomposite aerogels. These nanocomposite aerogels have a very low density that is 9.2 mg cm^-3 for OA/NC/Fe₃O₄ and 5.1 mg cm^-3 for NC/Al₂O₃. In addition, the OA/NC/Fe₃O_4­ aerogel has a hydrophobic property and an excellent magnetic responsivity and can be easily recycled by a permanent magnet after adsorption. The presence of nanoalumina facilitates the change of microstructure morphologies, the increase of BET specific surface area and the adsorption capacities of NC aerogel. We have also made a comparison in the adsorption capacity for these two kinds of nanocomposite aerogels. Both two nanocomposite aerogels exhibit the good adsorption capability to oil and organic solvent. These nanocomposite aerogels are promising for easy oil and organic solvent adsorption.