Surface functionalized cellulose fibers – A renewable adsorbent for removal of plastic nanoparticles from water

Highlights: • Chemically cross-linked cellulose fibers were prepared and characterized. • Modified PEI@CE showed good removal efficiency ≥ 98%. • The adsorption and removal on PNPs followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. • Electrostatic interactions were the main driving forces for the surface adsorption. • The PEI@CE adsorbent is an ecofriendly and nontoxic material for water treatment. Both micro- and nanoparticles of common plastic materials are considered as emerging pollutants with significant impact on the environment owing to large concentration, high stability and widespread distribution. To mitigate the risk of such pollutants, new methodologies for the detection and removal of plastic nanoparticles from the environment are needed. Here, a simple and effective method of using surface modified cellulose fibers for the removal of polymer nanoparticles from spiked water samples is discussed in detail. Almost quantitative (> 98%) removal of polymer nanoparticles and high adsorption efficiencies were obtained within 30 minutes. The mechanism of adsorption of polymer nanoparticles on the surface of PEI@CE fibers was monitored by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, kinetic studies, thermal analyses, changes in zeta potentials and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The renewable adsorbent PEI@CE is a promising material for a wide range of applications owing to biodegradability, easy accessibility, and high extraction efficiencies.